| Key Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Date | 20 September 2025 |
| Announced By | Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Earth Sciences |
| Achievement | India secured exclusive rights for exploration of Polymetallic Sulphides (PMS) in Carlsberg Ridge, Indian Ocean |
| Contract Details | 15-year contract signed between Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) and International Seabed Authority (ISA) |
| Allocated Area | 10,000 sq km in Carlsberg Ridge |
| Global Significance | First country in the world to hold two PMS exploration contracts |
| Existing PMS Contracts | Central Indian Ridge & Southwest Indian Ridge |
| Strategic Impact | Expands India's maritime presence and supports Deep Ocean Mission |
| Polymetallic Sulphides (PMS) | Rich deposits of metals like iron, copper, zinc, silver, gold, and platinum |
| Deep Ocean Mission | Launched in June 2021 by PM Modi; focuses on seabed mineral exploration and Blue Economy |
| India-ISA Partnership | 30-year partnership; India recognized as a "Pioneer Investor" by ISA |
| Upcoming Event | India to host 8th ISA Annual Contractors Meeting in Goa (18-20 September 2025) |
| Institutions Involved | Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) |
| International Seabed Authority | Established in 1994; headquartered in Kingston, Jamaica |
| UNCLOS | United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea adopted in 1982 |
Workflow
Login
Contact Counsellor