India Secures 15-Year Exclusive Deep-Sea Exploration Rights With ISA

India has signed a 15-year contract with the International Seabed Authority (ISA) for exclusive rights to explore polymetallic sulphides (PMS) in a 10,000 sq km area of the Carlsberg Ridge in the Indian Ocean, Union Earth Sciences Minister Jitendra Singh announced on Saturday. This agreement marks India as the first country to hold two ISA contracts for PMS exploration, reinforcing its leadership in deep-sea resource exploration.

Polymetallic sulphides, rich in valuable metals such as iron, copper, zinc, silver, gold, and platinum, are formed by hydrothermal fluids from the oceanic crust. Their strategic and commercial significance has drawn global interest, positioning India at the forefront of this emerging field. The new contract complements an existing one for the Central Indian Ridge and Southwest Indian Ridge, making India the holder of the largest PMS exploration area allocated by the ISA.

Singh emphasised that the contract aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Deep Ocean Mission, which focuses on seabed mineral exploration, mining technology development, and strengthening India’s Blue Economy. “This agreement consolidates India’s leadership in deep-sea research, enhances our maritime presence, and builds capacity for future resource utilisation,” he said. The mission aims to harness ocean resources sustainably to support economic growth.

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The signing, attended by ISA Secretary-General Leticia Carvalho, underscores India’s commitment to international frameworks like the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. As global demand for critical minerals grows, India’s pioneering role in deep-sea exploration positions it to contribute significantly to technological and economic advancements.

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