Introduction

India has received an International Seabed Authority (ISA) licence to explore polymetallic sulphides in the Carlsberg Ridge of the northwestern Indian Ocean.

Significance

• Critical minerals: Provides access to copper, nickel, cobalt and manganese needed for EVs, renewable energy and electronics.
• Energy security: Can reduce dependence on imported strategic minerals.
• Blue Economy: Supports India’s deep-sea exploration and marine-resource objectives.
• Strategic value: Strengthens India’s presence in the Indian Ocean and role in seabed governance.
• Technology: Promotes development of deep-sea robotics and submersibles.

Challenges

• Environmental: Threat to fragile deep-sea ecosystems and biodiversity.
• Technological: Requires advanced and costly deep-sea mining technology.
• Economic: High extraction costs with uncertain commercial returns.
• Geopolitical: Potential disputes over competing maritime claims.

Conclusion

India should pursue deep-sea exploration through a science-based, environmentally sustainable and internationally regulated approach to balance mineral security with ocean conservation.