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PM Modi Warns of Weaponisation of Sea Routes; Launches ₹84,084 Cr Samudra Manthan Offshore Scheme

EconomyIntl. RelationsSecurity & DefenceInfrastructureCORE
Target:UPSC GS-IIIMPSCSSC GATeachingBankingPrelims HighMains HighStatic GK Link
15 Aug 2026
~2 min
Source: The Hindu
Key Data:₹84,084 crore90% crude import50% LNG import99% sedimentary basins20 million barrels/day$137 billion
Bodies:International Energy Agency
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What This Article Covers

1.PM Modi warned that strategic resources (fuel, medicines, technology) and sea routes (Strait of Hormuz) are being weaponised by nations, increasing geopolitical risks for India.

2.India imports nearly 90% of crude oil and about half of its natural gas; the Strait of Hormuz disruption from the Iran conflict has exposed this vulnerability.

3.To counter this, the government approved the ₹84,084 crore Samudra Manthan National Offshore Exploration Scheme and opened 99% of sedimentary basins for exploration.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · High

PM Modi's 80th Independence Day speech flagged the weaponisation of global resources and sea routes as a key threat to India's economic security. He announced the ₹84,084 crore Samudra Manthan scheme to boost domestic oil and gas exploration, aiming to reduce India's 90% import dependence on crude oil.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Samudra Manthan Scheme Outlay₹84,084 crore
Crude Oil Import Dependence~90%
LNG Import Dependence~50%
Sedimentary Basins Opened99%
Strait of Hormuz Oil Flow (2025)~20 million barrels/day
Crude Oil Import Bill (2024-25)~$137 billion
LNG Import Bill (2024-25)~$15 billion
Solar Generation Capacity (2026 vs 2016)160 GW (from 2 GW)
Piped Cooking Gas Coverage (2026 vs 2014)700 cities (from 70)

1-Minute Revision

  • ›Samudra Manthan Scheme Outlay: ₹84,084 crore
  • ›Crude Oil Import Dependence: ~90%
  • ›Target this Data: Samudra Manthan National Offshore Exploration Scheme outlay: ₹84,084 crore
  • ›Target this Data: India's crude oil import dependence: ~90%; LNG import dependence: ~50%
  • ›Target this Data: Strait of Hormuz handled ~20 million barrels/day of oil in 2025 (25% of global seaborne oil)
  • ›Target this Data: Solar generation capacity: 160 GW (2026) vs 2 GW (2016)

Mastered this topic? Test your knowledge with a full MCQ quiz.

Practice exam-style questions, track your score, and strengthen your recall.

Q1Static LinkageEasy

Which ministry is primarily responsible for implementing the Samudra Manthan National Offshore Exploration Scheme?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements:

1. PM Modi warned that resources like fuel, medicines, and technology are being weaponised by some countries.

2. The Strait of Hormuz handled about 20 million barrels per day of oil in 2025, accounting for roughly half of global seaborne oil trade.

3. India has opened 99% of its sedimentary basins for oil and gas exploration and production.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

According to the news, what was India's approximate crude oil import bill for the year 2024-25?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What is the primary objective of the Samudra Manthan National Offshore Exploration Scheme announced by PM Modi?

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