Government of India submits two applications for approval of plans of work for seabed exploration in the Indian Ocean | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
News Today Logo

Government of India submits two applications for approval of plans of work for seabed exploration in the Indian Ocean

Posted 27 Mar 2024

Updated 30 Mar 2024

2 min read

  • India has applied with International Seabed Authority for rights to explore two vast tracts in Indian Ocean seabed.
    • These rights are specific to areas that are part of open ocean, where no countries can claim sovereignty.

 

  • Applied regions are:
    • For exploration of polymetallic sulfides in Indian Ocean Ridge (Carlsberg Ridge), located in Central Indian Ocean.
    • For exploration of cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts of Afanasy-Nikitin(AN) Seamount in Central Indian Ocean.

 

  • Currently, India holds two contracts for exploration in Indian Ocean. These are
    • For exploration for polymetallic nodules in Central Indian Ocean Basin.
      • Polymetallic nodules contain manganese, iron, nickel, copper, cobalt, and lead. These metals are of economic and strategic importance.
    • For exploration of polymetallic sulphides in Indian Ocean Ridge.

 

  • Seabed exploration outside of territorial limits are decided by United Nations Convention on Law of Sea (UNCLOS).
  • UNCLOS (adopted in 1982) lays down comprehensive regime of law and order in world's oceans and seas.

 

  • Bodies established under UNCLOS are: 
    • International Seabed Authority, 
    • International Tribunal for Law of the Sea and 
    • Commission on Limits of the Continental Shelf.

 

International Seabed Authority

  • Headquarter: Kingston, Jamaica
  • Autonomous international organization established under UNCLOS.
  • Members: 169 Members, including 168 Member States and European Union.
  • Functions:
    • Organize and control all mineral-resources-related activities in sea for benefit of humankind.
    • Protection of marine environment from harmful effects arising from deep-seabed-related activities.
  • Tags :
  • Indian Ocean
  • UNCLOS
  • International Seabed Authority
  • Polymetallic nodules
Watch News Today