ONGC is ramping up efforts in frontier exploration and offshore redevelopment to combat declining production from its ageing oil fields and enhance India’s long-term energy security.

A key milestone was reached on 27 January, 2026, when ONGC spudded the stratigraphic well AND-P-1 in the deepwater Andaman offshore basin, located 267 nautical miles from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This operation is part of India’s Samudra Manthan initiative, aimed at tapping into untapped offshore energy resources to reduce reliance on imports. The Andaman basin presents a geologically complex and challenging environment, with steep water depths and limited infrastructure.

Despite these challenges, ONGC has drilled three wells, indicating the presence of hydrocarbons. ONGC’s Director (Production), Pankaj Kumar, highlighted that while hydrocarbon presence is confirmed, the commercial viability will depend on further seismic data and drilling results. The company is also seeking global technical partners to boost production from other offshore assets.