India’s Deep Ocean Mission gets a fillip

New Delhi, 20 September 2025: India has signed a 15-years contract with the International Seabed Authority (ISA) for exclusive rights to explore polymetallic sulphides (PMS) reserves in the allotted 10,000 sq km area of the Carlsberg Ridge in the Indian Ocean.

With this, India has become the first country in the world to hold two contracts with ISA for PMS exploration. This reaffirms its pioneering role in deep-sea resource exploration and its strategic presence in the Indian Ocean.

Announcing the new development, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences; Science & Technology, MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh noted that the new contract is a significant step towards realizing the vision of Deep Ocean Mission launched by PM Narendra Modi, which focuses on seabed mineral exploration, mining technology development, and strengthening India’s ‘Blue Economy Initiatives’.

“By formalising exclusive rights for PMS exploration in the Carlsberg Ridge, India has further consolidated its leadership in deep-sea research and exploration. This will enhance our maritime presence and build national capacity for future resource utilisation.”

Polymetallic Sulphides contain valuable metals such as iron, copper, zinc, silver, gold, and platinum, and are precipitates formed by hot hydrothermal fluids from oceanic crust. Their strategic and commercial potential has attracted global attention, placing India at the forefront of deep-sea resource exploration.

Recalling India’s longstanding partnership with ISA, Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted that India was the first country to receive an area for polymetallic nodule exploration in international waters and was designated as a “Pioneer Investor.” With two PMS contracts now in place—one in the Central Indian Ridge & Southwest Indian Ridge and another in the Carlsberg Ridge—India also holds the largest exploration area allocated for PMS in the international seabed.

“India’s 30-year association with the ISA has been a source of pride, and as ISA celebrates its 30th anniversary, India reaffirms its commitment to working closely with it to deliver on its mandate for the common heritage of humankind,” Dr. Singh said.

Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Dr. M. Ravichandran, noted that it was a proud moment for MoES and its autonomous institute, the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), Goa, to sign the second PMS exploration contract.

India looked forward to strengthening its cooperation with ISA to generate more scientific knowledge of unexplored seabed ecosystems and to ensure effective protection of the marine environment while harnessing mineral resources for the benefit of humankind, he added.