New Delhi, January 27, 2026: In a significant advancement for India's domestic energy exploration efforts, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has successfully spudded a crucial stratigraphic well in the frontier Andaman offshore region. The operation is a key component of the Government of India's #SamudraManthan campaign, aimed at enhancing energy security and reducing import dependence.
Project Details:
The well, named AND-P-1, was spudded on January 27, 2026. It is located approximately 267 nautical miles from the Andaman & Nicobar Islands in a geologically complex and logistically challenging frontier basin.
Strategic Importance:
The primary objective of the AND-P-1 well is data acquisition. As a stratigraphic well, it is designed to gather vital subsurface information rather than for immediate commercial production. This data will be critical for:
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Evaluating the geological formations and sedimentary sequences of the Andaman Basin.
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Assessing the region's hydrocarbon systems and overall resource potential.
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Providing foundational insights into one of India's least explored yet highly promising offshore regions.
Context & Leadership:
The operation underscores the strategic push under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to accelerate domestic oil and gas exploration. Overcoming the significant logistical and operational hurdles in a remote offshore location marks a testament to ONGC's technical capabilities and the campaign's resolve.
This exploratory step is expected to pave the way for future exploration activities, potentially unlocking new energy resources to fuel India's growing economy and move closer to its goal of "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (self-reliant India) in the energy sector.
About ONGC:
ONGC (Oil and Natural Gas Corporation) is India's leading Maharatna public sector enterprise, driving the nation's energy security. It is the largest producer of crude oil and natural gas in India, accounting for the majority of domestic hydrocarbon output.