India Secures Exclusive Rights to Polymetallic Sulphide Exploration in Carlsberg Ridge
SDG 14: Life Below Water | SDG 9: Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure
Institutions: Ministry of Earth Sciences | Ministry of Science & Technology
India has signed a new 15-year contract with the International Seabed Authority (ISA) granting exclusive rights to explore polymetallic sulphides (PMS) over a 10,000 sq km area in the Carlsberg Ridge in the Indian Ocean. With this, India becomes the first country globally to hold two PMS exploration contracts with ISA - the other being in the Central Indian Ridge & Southwest Indian Ridge. This move is part of the broader Deep Ocean Mission, which focuses on seabed resource exploration, mining-technology development, and enhancing India’s blue economy footprint.
Polymetallic sulphides (rich in metals such as copper, zinc, silver, gold, platinum) formed around hydrothermal vents have high strategic and commercial potential. The contract underscores India’s role as a “Pioneer Investor” in seabed mining, and also positions India to host the 8th ISA Annual Contractors Meeting in Goa. The announcement reaffirms India’s long-term (30-year) partnership with ISA and signals intent to deepen research on deep-sea ecosystems.
This development sits at the intersection of marine science, resource diplomacy, environmental governance, and innovation in underexplored domains. It presents both opportunities and challenges in balancing economic interests, international obligations, and ecological safeguards.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders: What institutional mechanisms and legal safeguards are needed to ensure that India’s expansion into deep-sea mineral exploration does not compromise marine biodiversity or equitable benefit sharing?
Follow the full news here: India Secures Exclusive Rights for Polymetallic Sulphide Exploration