The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas outlined India’s strategy for energy security and economic development at a national conference organised by Shri Ram College of Commerce in New Delhi. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri addressed the two-day Centenary Conclave titled ‘Pathways to Viksit Bharat’ on 16 October 2026, speaking to faculty, policymakers and students about turning energy, finance and logistics challenges into business opportunities for India’s development by 2047.
Key facts
- Samudra Manthan Scheme (National Offshore Exploration Scheme) approved with outlay of Rs 84,084 crore
- GOBARdhan scheme launched on 1 October to convert agricultural residue and organic waste into energy
- Event held at Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi on 16 October 2026
- Conference organised by Shri Ram College of Commerce to mark its centenary year
Samudra Manthan offshore exploration scheme
The Government of India has approved the Samudra Manthan Scheme with an investment of Rs 84,084 crore. The scheme targets India’s vast offshore hydrocarbon reserves to strengthen the country’s energy security. Its key objectives include accelerating exploration activities in offshore regions, deploying modern technology for extraction, creating shared infrastructure facilities, and boosting domestic manufacturing capacity in the sector.
GOBARdhan waste-to-energy initiative
The Minister highlighted the GOBARdhan scheme launched in early October as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Waste to Wealth’ and ‘Annadata to Urjadata’ vision. Under this initiative, agricultural residue and organic waste are converted into domestic energy. The scheme addresses multiple objectives: it creates a commercial opportunity for farmers, generates economic returns, and strengthens India’s energy independence. This represents a practical model where agricultural communities can earn additional income while contributing to national energy security.
India’s energy resilience
The Minister noted that India has successfully maintained stable supplies of essential fuels despite global economic turbulence and recent geopolitical disruptions in the West Asia region. This resilience has been achieved through diversifying energy sources and building domestic production capacities. The strategy demonstrates India’s ability to secure its energy needs through a combination of domestic exploration and strategic partnerships.
Call to build world-class Indian enterprises
Minister Puri challenged young professionals to establish Indian institutions and enterprises that meet global standards and earn international trust. He questioned why Indian businesses should not lead globally when Indian talent already holds leadership positions in major international corporations. This message resonated with the educational focus of the conclave, which brought together policymakers, economists and students to discuss India’s economic priorities and growth strategies for the coming decades.
What this means for you
The Samudra Manthan Scheme and GOBARdhan initiative create multiple opportunities across sectors. Young professionals in energy, engineering and entrepreneurship may find career prospects in offshore exploration technology and renewable energy projects. Farmers can explore income generation through agricultural waste conversion under GOBARdhan. Entrepreneurs interested in energy infrastructure, manufacturing, or waste management solutions have a supportive policy environment. For those aspiring to build enterprises, the government’s emphasis on energy security and domestic capacity-building signals long-term investment opportunities in these sectors.
Students of commerce and economics can apply their training to identify business opportunities within these government priorities. The underlying message is that India’s development journey to 2047 requires both policy continuity and entrepreneurial innovation from the next generation.