India is set to extend its offshore oil and gas exploration to the extended continental shelf (ECS), with plans to involve state-run explorers ONGC and Oil India Ltd. in conducting seismic surveys beyond the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) on both the east and west coasts.
This initiative comes amid increased activity by Chinese research vessels near Indian waters and aims to reinforce India’s territorial claims by gathering data to support its ECS boundary claims.
Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS III), the EEZ of coastal states can extend up to 200 nautical miles from the baseline, while the continental shelf can extend up to 350 nautical miles from the baseline.
The proposed plan involves acquiring high-resolution 2D seismic data over 30,000 line-kilometers within two years, with an estimated cost of around ₹400 crore, funded by the Central government. This survey aims to enhance the understanding of sediment distribution, assess the potential for hydrocarbons and minerals, and support energy security and blue economy development.
India’s coastline stretches 7,517 kilometers, with significant oil and gas assets on the west coast, including the Mumbai High and Bassein fields, and the KG basin on the east coast, where major projects are underway involving Reliance Industries Ltd-BP and ONGC with a combined investment of approximately $10 billion.