New Delhi: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced the signing of a new 15-year contract between the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) and the International Seabed Authority (ISA), granting India exclusive rights to explore Polymetallic Sulphides (PMS) in a 10,000 sq km area of the Carlsberg Ridge in the Indian Ocean, according to a release from MoES.
With this agreement, India becomes the first country in the world to hold two ISA contracts for PMS exploration, reinforcing its leadership in deep-sea resource exploration and strategic presence in the Indian Ocean.
Dr. Singh described the contract as a key milestone for the Deep Ocean Mission launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which aims to advance seabed mineral exploration, develop mining technologies, and strengthen India’s Blue Economy initiatives.
“By securing exclusive rights for PMS exploration in the Carlsberg Ridge, India further consolidates its position in deep-sea research. This will enhance our maritime presence and build national capacity for future resource utilization,” Dr. Singh said.
Polymetallic Sulphides are rich in metals such as iron, copper, zinc, silver, gold, and platinum. They form from hydrothermal fluids on the oceanic crust and have significant strategic and commercial potential, drawing global attention and positioning India at the forefront of deep-sea resource exploration.
Highlighting India’s longstanding partnership with ISA, Dr. Singh noted that India was the first country to receive an area for polymetallic nodule exploration in international waters, earning the designation of “Pioneer Investor.” With the two PMS contracts—one in the Central and Southwest Indian Ridge and the other in the Carlsberg Ridge—India now holds the largest exploration area allocated for PMS globally.
“India’s 30-year association with the ISA has been a source of pride. As ISA celebrates its 30th anniversary, India reaffirms its commitment to advancing its mandate for the common heritage of humankind,” Dr. Singh said. He also announced that India will host the 8th ISA Annual Contractors Meeting from September 18–20 in Goa, marking another milestone in India’s seabed exploration leadership.
Speaking on the occasion, Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Dr. M. Ravichandran, said 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 is now the first ISA member state to hold two PMS exploration contracts and has the largest allocated area globally for PMS exploration,” he noted.
Dr. Ravichandran added that India looks forward to strengthening cooperation with ISA to expand scientific knowledge of unexplored seabed ecosystems, while ensuring the protection of the marine environment as mineral resources are harnessed for the benefit of humankind.
