National Deep Water Exploration Mission

National Deep Water Exploration Mission

Why in News? 

Recently, in August 2025, India launched a new push under the National Deep Water Exploration Mission, opening vast offshore areas, including the Andaman Basin, for bidding. This move aims to boost domestic energy output, cut imports, and enhance long-term energy security.

What is the National Deep Water Exploration Mission?

• About: 

• • • The National Deep Water Exploration Mission is a government-led initiative aimed at exploring India’s offshore deep-sea regions for oil and gas reserves. 
    • This mission focuses on unlocking energy resources lying beneath unexplored ocean basins. 
      • Launched as part of India’s long-term strategy for energy security, it plays a critical role in reducing dependence on imported crude oil and natural gas. 
    • The programme aligns with the country’s Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP) and Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP), which promote transparent and competitive bidding for exploration blocks.

• Objective of the Mission: The mission’s core purpose is to identify and develop deep-water hydrocarbon reserves that can significantly contribute to India’s domestic energy supply. 

• By targeting challenging zones like the Andaman-Nicobar Basin and deep waters off the Andhra Pradesh coast, the project aims to bring untapped reserves into production. 

• This effort also seeks to strengthen India’s position in the global oil and gas market by expanding its exploration frontier and attracting investment from both domestic and international companies.

• • Recent Developments: In August 2025, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas announced the opening of thousands of square kilometres of previously restricted “No-Go” areas for exploration. 

    • Among these, the Andaman Basin has been identified as a high-potential zone due to its tectonic setting and proximity to proven petroleum systems in Myanmar and North Sumatra. 

    • Under the current OALP-X bidding round, 25 exploration blocks have been offered, covering an area of nearly 2 lakh square kilometres. 

    • These developments have drawn significant interest from energy companies, signalling the potential for major discoveries.

• Geological Significance: The Andaman Sea and surrounding deep-water zones are part of a unique geological formation. 

• The area lies close to proven oil and gas fields in Southeast Asia, which increases the probability of finding commercially viable reserves. 

• Geological studies have suggested the presence of sedimentary basins capable of holding large quantities of hydrocarbons. 

• This region’s untapped potential is one reason why it has been prioritised under the National Deep Water Exploration Mission.

• Economic Impact: Successful exploration under this mission could lead to a reduction in India’s crude oil and natural gas imports, which currently meet over 80% of the country’s energy needs. 

• A breakthrough in deep-water reserves could generate thousands of jobs in offshore drilling, logistics, and related industries. 

• It would also help stabilize domestic fuel prices by increasing local production. 

• According to energy analysts, even a moderate discovery in these regions could save billions of dollars in import bills annually.

• Technological Requirements: Deep-water exploration requires advanced technology for seismic surveys, drilling, and production. The mission involves the deployment of 3D seismic imaging, ultra-deep-water drillships, and subsea production systems. Indian companies are collaborating with global technology providers to ensure safe and efficient operations. These technologies are critical for operating in water depths that often exceed 1,500 metres, where traditional exploration methods are not feasible.

• Environmental Considerations: Exploration in sensitive marine ecosystems requires strict environmental safeguards. The mission follows international safety and environmental protocols to minimise risks such as oil spills and marine habitat disruption. Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) are carried out before the start of drilling activities. Authorities have also introduced monitoring systems to ensure compliance with environmental guidelines.

• Strategic Importance: Energy security is a key driver of the National Deep Water Exploration Mission. 

• By diversifying the sources of domestic oil and gas, India can better withstand global price fluctuations and geopolitical disruptions. 

• The Andaman Basin, due to its location near international shipping lanes, also holds strategic maritime importance. 

• Securing energy from this region could strengthen India’s position as a key player in the Indo-Pacific energy market.

• Future Outlook: The government plans to expand the scope of the mission in the coming years, offering more deep-water and ultra-deep-water blocks for exploration. With sustained investment and policy support, the mission could transform India’s offshore energy landscape by the early 2030s. If significant discoveries are made, deep-water fields could contribute a substantial share to India’s domestic oil and gas production.