SDG 14: Life Below Water | SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Institutions: Ministry of Earth Sciences
On 19 September 2025, the High Seas Treaty (formally the Agreement under UNCLOS on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction, or BBNJ) crossed a historic threshold: it secured its 60th ratification, triggering its entry into force after 120 days (i.e. from 17 January 2026). The 60th ratification was deposited at the United Nations by Morocco, along with Sri Lanka, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Sierra Leone.
The treaty will be the first legally binding multilateral framework to govern marine biodiversity in the high seas - those waters beyond national jurisdiction - covering nearly two-thirds of the ocean and nearly half the Earthβs surface.
The treaty empowers the formation of marine protected areas (MPAs) in international waters, mandates environmental impact assessments for human activities in high seas domains, and enshrines equitable benefit sharing for genetic resources found in these regions. With ratification by 60 parties, preparatory institutional mechanisms, such as the first Conference of the Parties (CoP) and secretariat functions must now be established.
India has already signed the treaty and is presently in the process of ratification, reaffirming its commitment to ocean governance beyond its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
The High Seas Treaty marks a landmark shift in ocean governance - enabling collective regulation of human impacts in areas previously under βno rules.β For ocean-rich nations like India, where marine health affects fisheries, climate resilience, and strategic interests, this treaty offers both new responsibilities and opportunities in global maritime diplomacy and science diplomacy.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders: How can India plan its national laws, capacity, and institutional frameworks to ensure it can meet new obligations under the High Seas Treaty while leveraging opportunities in research, blue economy, and diplomacy?
Follow the full treaty status and analysis here: