Why in News?

• India has secured a first-of-its-kind licence from the International Seabed Authority (ISA) to explore polymetallic sulphides in the Carlsberg Ridge of the Indian Ocean (September 2025)

  • Makes India the first country to receive such exploration rights in this geologically significant zone

About Polymetallic Sulphides & India’s Licence

Introduction

• Polymetallic sulphides are deep-sea mineral deposits rich in manganese, cobalt, nickel, and copper

• These minerals are crucial for batteries, renewable energy, and high-tech manufacturing

• The Carlsberg Ridge lies in the northwest Indian Ocean

  • Forms the boundary between the Indian and Arabian tectonic plates

India’s New Exploration Rights

• Agreement signed in September 2025 with the Jamaica-based ISA

• Grants India rights to explore 3,00,000 sq. km in the Carlsberg Ridge

• First global licence for this region

  • Gives India a pioneering role in deep-sea exploration

Previous Exploration Efforts

• 2002

  • Rights in the Central Indian Ocean Basin for polymetallic nodules

• 2016

  • Rights for polymetallic sulphides along the Indian Ocean Ridge

• Contracts valid till 2027 and 2031, respectively

• Multiple surveys conducted

  • Large-scale exploitation remains limited due to cost and environmental concerns

Strategic Importance

• Critical minerals support

  • Electric mobility

  • Renewable energy storage

  • Advanced electronics

• Securing exploration rights strengthens India’s position in global supply chains

• Counters Chinese presence in the region

  • Reports of Chinese vessels spurred India’s 2024 ISA application

• Serves both economic and national security goals

Legal & Environmental Dimensions

• Under UNCLOS

  • Countries can claim up to 350 nautical miles

  • In some areas like the Bay of Bengal, up to 500 nautical miles

  • Beyond this, resources fall under ISA jurisdiction

• Deep-sea mining is controversial

  • May cause irreversible biodiversity loss

• India must balance resource exploration with environmental commitments

Global Context & Future Outlook

• Currently, 19 countries hold seabed exploration rights under ISA agreements

• India’s Carlsberg Ridge licence is unique for its scale and location

• Likely future investments include

  • Indigenous subsea technology

  • Robotics

  • Environmental impact assessments

• Vital for India’s

  • Clean energy transition

  • Manufacturing competitiveness

  • Energy security