THEMATIC INVESTING----> The Government Is Looking Beneath the sea . 80,000 Cr. 'Samudra Manthan' Could Create a New Offshore Investment Theme

For decades, India has searched for oil and gas on land. Now, the government is turning its focus to the deep sea. Under the proposed 'Samudra Manthan' initiative, the Centre is working on an approximately ₹80,000 crore incentive package to accelerate deepwater and ultra-deepwater exploration of oil, natural gas and strategic minerals. The objective is simple: reduce India's dependence on energy imports and unlock resources hidden beneath the ocean floor. ##What Is 'Samudra Manthan'? The proposed scheme aims to: • Share up to 50% of exploratory drilling costs for deepwater projects. • Encourage global energy companies to participate in India's offshore exploration. • Accelerate exploration of oil, natural gas and offshore mineral resources. • Strengthen India's long-term energy security and reduce crude oil imports. ------> Which Companies Could Benefit? Upstream Exploration • $ONGC • $OIL These companies could benefit from increased offshore exploration opportunities and government support. Oilfield Services & Offshore Engineering • $LT (L&T) • $MAZDOCK • $COCHINSHIP Offshore Logistics • $SCI • $GESHIP ##Why Investors Should Watch This Theme If implemented, the scheme could: Increase domestic oil & gas production Reduce India's import dependence over the long term Boost capital expenditure in offshore energy ------->Bottom Line India's next energy discovery may not come from land—it could come from thousands of metres beneath the ocean.