ONGC Commences Deepwater Exploration in Mahanadi Basin Under Samudra Manthan Mission
ONGC spudded its first deepwater exploratory well, MN-DW18-1-H-D, in the Mahanadi Offshore Basin on 25 July 2026. This marks a key step in India's deepwater exploration under the Samudra Manthan Campaign, aiming to tap into the nation's offshore hydrocarbon potential.
The spudding of a deepwater well is a crucial step in exploration, potentially leading to significant discoveries, but the actual impact on production and revenue is yet to be determined. It signifies a strategic move towards future growth.
The announcement details a significant step in India's energy exploration efforts, which is a positive development for the company and the nation's energy security.
Oil & Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) has initiated its deepwater exploration campaign by spudding the exploratory well MN-DW18-1-H-D in the Mahanadi Offshore Basin. The event, which took place virtually from New Delhi on 25 July 2026, was officiated by the Hon’ble Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri.
This spudding is a significant milestone under the Government of India’s Samudra Manthan Campaign, aimed at exploring the nation's deep and ultra-deepwater energy resources. This initiative aligns with the vision set forth by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, in his Independence Day address on 15 August 2025, to harness India’s untapped offshore oil and gas potential. The government has opened approximately one million square kilometres of previously restricted offshore areas for exploration.
ONGC established its Deepwater Exploration Mission Centre, DeepX, in Mumbai on 5 January 2026, to integrate geoscientific expertise and advanced interpretation capabilities for this ambitious program. The MN-DW18-1-H-D well is situated about 23 nautical miles from Konark, off the Odisha coast, building upon recent discoveries like Utkal and Konark in the Mahanadi Offshore Basin. This deepwater exploration campaign is expected to contribute to enhancing domestic production, reducing import dependence, and strengthening India’s energy security.
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