Hardeep S Puri Holds Conference on Data-Led Oil & Gas Exploration Under ‘Samudra Manthan’

Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, in remarks shared on social media, highlighted the paradigm shift underway in India’s exploration strategy.

In a decisive shift toward technology-driven energy exploration, the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH) convened a high-level conference on “Data Driven Exploration,” bringing together global energy majors, domestic operators, and technology leaders to chart a new roadmap for unlocking India’s offshore potential.

Held under the broader vision of the Samudra Manthan – National Offshore Mission, the conference underscored a clear message: India is moving away from traditional, high-risk exploration methods toward a data-centric, collaborative model designed to boost investment, improve success rates, and accelerate energy self-reliance.

The meeting, chaired by the Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, saw participation from over 80 stakeholders, including global giants such as BP, ExxonMobil, and Shell; Indian companies like Reliance Industries, Cairn India, and Adani Welspun; and leading seismic and technology firms including SLB, TGS, and Shearwater GeoServices.

From “Blind Exploration” to Data Intelligence

Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, in remarks shared on social media, highlighted the paradigm shift underway in India’s exploration strategy.

“India is moving beyond blind exploration and embracing a multi-client model that allows more minds to interpret, innovate, and discover,” he said, emphasizing that this approach could fundamentally transform the exploration and production (E&P) sector—traditionally viewed as high-risk and uncertain.

The Samudra Manthan initiative aims to open up India’s vast offshore reserves through transparency, advanced science, and global collaboration, aligning with the broader goal of energy Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance).

Seismic Data Emerges as the Core Driver

A central outcome of the conference was strong industry consensus that seismic data is the single most critical factor determining exploration success.

Participants highlighted that:

• Limited data availability—especially in deepwater and frontier basins—continues to constrain exploration activity

• Poor data coverage impacts investor confidence and reduces participation in licensing rounds

• Modern technologies, including AI-driven interpretation and advanced imaging, can unlock significant value from existing datasets

Experts noted that reprocessing legacy seismic data using modern tools could deliver faster, cost-effective insights without waiting for new surveys.

Urgency to Accelerate Data Acquisition

Industry stakeholders emphasized the need for rapid and targeted seismic data acquisition, particularly ahead of upcoming exploration licensing rounds.

Global experience suggests that:

• Early-stage data densification significantly improves bidding interest

• High-quality datasets reduce uncertainty and attract international capital

• Faster data availability directly correlates with increased exploration intensity

Multi-Client Model Gains Traction

One of the most discussed innovations was the adoption of Multi-Client Seismic Models (MCM)—a globally proven approach where multiple companies share the cost of data acquisition while gaining access to the same dataset.

Key advantages include:

• Lower financial burden on individual companies

• Faster generation and dissemination of seismic data

• Broader participation from global players

However, participants stressed that India must adopt a phased and calibrated approach, considering varying basin maturity levels and existing data ownership structures.

Government’s Role Seen as निर्णायक

The conference highlighted the Government’s critical role in building a robust data ecosystem. Stakeholders called for:

• Clear and predictable policy frameworks

• Continued public investment in data acquisition

• Strengthening of the National Data Repository (NDR) for better accessibility

Policy certainty, experts noted, is essential to unlocking large-scale private investment in exploration.

Need for Scalable Execution Frameworks

With exploration activity expected to scale up significantly, the industry emphasized the importance of strong procurement and execution mechanisms.

Recommendations included:

• Engaging multiple global service providers to ensure capacity and competition

• Adopting quality-cum-cost-based procurement models

• Ensuring timely execution without compromising data quality

Action Plan: From Consensus to Implementation

The conference concluded with a clear roadmap for immediate action:

• Finalizing a prioritized seismic acquisition plan focusing on deepwater and frontier basins

• Launching a structured programme to reprocess and integrate legacy datasets

• Developing commercial frameworks, including hybrid and multi-client models

• Designing scalable procurement systems aligned with quality and efficiency

A Turning Point for India’s Energy Exploration

The “Data Driven Exploration” conference marks a pivotal moment in India’s energy strategy, signaling a transition toward a more scientific, collaborative, and investor-friendly exploration ecosystem.

With seismic data positioned as the foundation of future exploration, the success of Samudra Manthan will depend on how quickly policy intent translates into on-ground execution.

If implemented effectively, experts believe the initiative could significantly enhance India’s hydrocarbon discovery rates, attract global investment, and strengthen the country’s long-term energy security.