<h1>National Deep Water Exploration Mission Launches to Boost Domestic Oil and Gas Production under New Licensing Rules</h1> The government announced a National Deep Water Exploration Mission to identify oil and gas reserves beneath the seabed, aiming to reduce heavy reliance on imports that currently meet 88% of crude oil and half of natural gas needs. This initiative follows policy reforms including the Open Acreage Licensing Policy, expanding exploration areas significantly compared to previous years. Nearly one million square kilometers of previously restricted zones, including the Andaman-Nicobar basin, have been opened for bidding due to their promising geological prospects. The mission intends to boost domestic production, enhance energy security, and reduce foreign expenditure on energy imports. Recent legislative reforms and increased exploration activities have led to numerous discoveries, signaling a strategic shift toward energy self-reliance and economic benefits such as job creation.