SEP 20: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced a landmark achievement as India signed a new 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.
With this agreement, India has become the first country in the world to hold two PMS exploration contracts with ISA, reaffirming its status as a Pioneer Investor and a global leader in seabed resource exploration. The other PMS contract already covers the Central Indian Ridge and Southwest Indian Ridge, giving India the largest PMS exploration area in the international seabed.
Dr. Jitendra Singh said the milestone is aligned with the vision of the Deep Ocean Mission, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focusing on seabed mineral exploration, development of mining technologies, and strengthening India’s “Blue Economy.” He noted that formalising exclusive rights consolidates India’s maritime presence and builds national capacity for future utilization of deep-sea resources.
Polymetallic Sulphides, formed by hydrothermal fluids from the oceanic crust, contain valuable metals like copper, zinc, silver, gold, and platinum, offering immense strategic and commercial potential.
The Minister also highlighted India’s 30-year partnership with ISA and announced that India will host the 8th ISA Annual Contractors Meeting in Goa from September 18–20, 2025.
MoES Secretary Dr. M. Ravichandran lauded the achievement, stating it was a proud moment for the Ministry and the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), Goa. He emphasized India’s commitment to expanding scientific knowledge of seabed ecosystems while ensuring environmental protection and sustainable resource use.
This milestone firmly places India at the forefront of global deep-ocean exploration and resource development.
