ONGC Spuds Deepwater Exploratory Well in Mahanadi Basin to Unlock India's Hydrocarbon Potential
Oil & Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) has commenced drilling its exploratory deepwater well, MN-DW18-1-H-D, in the Mahanadi Offshore Basin. The spudding ceremony took place on 25 July 2026, and the initiative represents a significant step toward unlocking India's vast deepwater hydrocarbon potential.The commencement of this operation is a major milestone under the Government of India's Samudra Manthan Campaign. The well was drilled in the Mahanadi Offshore Basin as part of an ambitious program designed to explore India's deep and ultra-deepwater energy resources.ONGC has strengthened its offshore operations in the Mahanadi and...