India's Blue and Green Economy Push: Strategic Focus on Energy Security and Deep-Sea Exploration
Contents4
Hindustan Times - India · 16 Aug 2026 · 2 min read
Prelims · Economy Mains · GS3 Economy High relevance
PM Modi emphasized India's commitment to blue and green economies in his Independence Day speech, highlighting the Samudra Manthan Scheme with ₹84,084 crore budget for offshore exploration and renewable energy targets.
Key points
Samudra Manthan Scheme: The Union Cabinet approved this National Offshore Exploration Scheme with a ₹84,084 crore budget to boost deepwater oil and gas drilling, aiming to secure long-term energy supplies and increase domestic fuel production.
Blue Economy: PM Modi identified fisheries, coastal tourism, and ocean technology as key growth areas, shifting from a 'no-go' to 'go-ahead' policy for coastal exploration to harness maritime resources.
Green Economy: India targets global leadership in green hydrogen, renewable energy generation, and storage, with solar capacity rising from 2 GW in 2014 to 160 GW currently.
Energy Security: Modi stressed reducing crude oil dependence by exploring domestic offshore resources, linking it to India's vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
Hydrogen-Powered Trains: India launched its first hydrogen-powered train, the world’s longest and most powerful, marking a milestone in clean energy transportation.
Piped Gas Expansion: The government expanded piped gas distribution from 70 cities in 2014 to 700 cities, reaching 17.5 million households, showcasing infrastructure growth.
[GS3-Environment] The focus on renewable energy aligns with India's commitment to achieving 500 GW non-fossil capacity by 2030, currently at 300 GW, addressing climate change goals.
Way Forward: India should establish a dedicated maritime research institute, incentivize private sector participation in offshore exploration, and integrate climate resilience into coastal infrastructure planning.
Key terms
- Blue Economy
- The sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and ocean ecosystem health. For UPSC, it's crucial for GS3 (Economy and Environment) as it involves maritime policy, resource management, and international ocean governance frameworks like UNCLOS.
- Green Economy
- An economy that aims for sustainable development without degrading the environment. Relevant for GS3 (Environment) and GS2 (Governance), it includes renewable energy, green hydrogen, and climate policies, aligning with India's INDC under the Paris Agreement.
- Samudra Manthan Scheme
- A ₹84,084 crore initiative for offshore exploration to enhance domestic oil and gas production. Significant for GS3 (Energy Security) as it reduces import dependency and aligns with Aatmanirbhar Bharat in critical energy sectors.
- Energy Security
- The availability of energy at affordable prices, crucial for economic stability. For UPSC, it connects to GS3 (Infrastructure and Economy), involving policies like Strategic Petroleum Reserves and renewable energy targets under the National Energy Policy.
Practice question
Discuss the significance of India's push towards blue and green economies in achieving energy security and sustainable development. (250 words, 15 marks)
GS3 15 marks 250 words Mains
Key terms to include: Blue Economy Green Economy Samudra Manthan Scheme Energy Security Renewable Energy Green Hydrogen Aatmanirbhar Bharat UNCLOS
Answer framework
Introduction
Briefly introduce the concepts of blue and green economies and their relevance to India's energy security and sustainable development goals.
Energy Security
Reduction in crude oil dependence through initiatives like Samudra Manthan Scheme for offshore exploration.
Expansion of piped gas distribution to 700 cities, enhancing domestic energy infrastructure.
Strategic focus on increasing domestic fuel production to align with Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Sustainable Development
Targets like 500 GW non-fossil capacity by 2030 and current achievements (300 GW).
Promotion of green hydrogen and renewable energy technologies, e.g., hydrogen-powered trains.
Integration of climate resilience in coastal infrastructure planning.
Economic Growth
Development of fisheries, coastal tourism, and ocean technology under the blue economy.
Incentivizing private sector participation in offshore exploration and renewable energy projects.
Potential for job creation and technological advancements in clean energy sectors.
Conclusion
Emphasize the need for balanced growth, combining energy security with environmental sustainability, and suggest further steps like establishing a maritime research institute.
Fact check
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