What happened
Shaktikanta Das, Principal Secretary-2 to the Prime Minister (and former RBI Governor), said on 29 September 2026 that India must cut dependence on imported oil and gas. He highlighted the national offshore exploration scheme ‘Samudra Manthan’, whose first phase has an outlay of ₹84,084 crore up to 2030-31 (approved in July 2026) to raise domestic production and build a competitive offshore energy ecosystem. India imports over 88% of its crude; Russia supplies nearly half of those imports.
Background
Das spoke at the launch of the India and Emerging Economic Order Forum (RIS and Delhi School of Economics). He also flagged the Nuclear Energy Mission aiming for 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047 on the path to net-zero by 2070, and transformation of the space sector with private participation. Comments came amid US legislation enabling steep tariffs on countries buying Russian energy and high crude-basket prices.
Why it matters for exams
- Energy security and import dependence are GS-III core
- Scheme name, outlay and horizon year are prelims-ready
- Nuclear Mission 100 GW by 2047 links climate and energy policy
Key facts for exams
- Scheme: Samudra Manthan (offshore exploration)
- Outlay (Phase 1): ₹84,084 crore up to 2030-31
- Approved: July 2026
- Crude import dependence: >88%
- Nuclear Mission target: 100 GW by 2047; net-zero 2070
Practice MCQs
Q1. Samudra Manthan Phase-1 outlay up to 2030-31 is:
- ₹61,500 crore
- ₹84,084 crore
- ₹8,970 crore
- ₹30,000 crore
Answer: B. ₹84,084 crore.
Q2. India meets more than what share of crude oil needs through imports?
- 50%
- 65%
- 75%
- 88%
Answer: D. More than 88%.
Q3. Nuclear Energy Mission capacity target for 2047 mentioned was:
- 50 GW
- 75 GW
- 100 GW
- 200 GW
Answer: C. 100 gigawatt by 2047.
Source: The Indian Express (29 Sep 2026); Business Today reports on Samudra Manthan.