India has set a global precedent by becoming the first country to secure exclusive rights for exploring polymetallic sulphides in the Indian Ocean.
The landmark achievement follows India’s signing of a 15-year contract with the International Seabed Authority (ISA), granting the nation rights to survey a 10,000 sq km block in the Carlsberg Ridge.
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh announced that this makes India the only country in the world to hold two separate ISA exploration contracts for PMS.
Besides the Carlsberg Ridge, India already holds rights over areas in the Central and Southwest Indian Ridge. Together, these contracts give the country the largest seabed area allocated globally for this purpose.
Calling it a major step under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Deep Ocean Mission, Dr Singh said the project aims to build advanced capacity in undersea mineral exploration, mining technologies and ocean-based economic ventures.
“This contract will prepare India for future resource utilisation while strengthening our strategic position in the Indian Ocean region,” he stated.
Seafloor hydrothermal systems produce PMS, filled with copper, zinc, gold, silver, platinum and iron. With worldwide attention on their economic and strategic value, India’s exclusive rights offer a competitive advantage.
Dr Singh also highlighted India’s long-standing partnership with the ISA. Furthermore, recalling that the country was among the first granted rights to explore polymetallic nodules, earning it the status of a ‘pioneer investor.’
He added that as ISA marks its 30th anniversary, India’s three-decade collaboration demonstrates the country’s commitment to sustainable resource use in line with the principle of oceans being the ‘common heritage of humankind’.
Reaffirming India’s leadership role in this domain, Singh announced that India will host the 8th Annual ISA Contractors’ Meeting from September 18-20 in Goa.
Dr M Ravichandran, Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, stressed that India is the first ISA member state to hold two PMS contracts along with the world’s highest seabed allocation.
He said the focus will remain on expanding scientific knowledge of deep-sea ecosystems, protecting marine environments and ensuring responsible resource use to benefit humanity.
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