On 20 September 2025, Union Minister of State for Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh, announced a historic milestone: India has secured exclusive rights for exploration of Polymetallic Sulphides (PMS) in the Carlsberg Ridge, Indian Ocean. The 15-year contract signed between the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) and the International Seabed Authority (ISA) grants India access to explore a 10,000 sq km area, making it the first country in the world to hold two PMS exploration contracts. This achievement highlights India’s growing leadership in deep-sea resource exploration and its commitment to Blue Economy initiatives under the Deep Ocean Mission.
Significance of the Milestone
Strengthening India’s Maritime Presence
By securing rights in the Carlsberg Ridge, India expands its strategic footprint in the Indian Ocean and builds national capacity for future resource utilization.
Support to Deep Ocean Mission
Launched by PM Narendra Modi, the Deep Ocean Mission focuses on,
- Exploration of seabed minerals
- Development of mining technologies
- Strengthening of India’s Blue Economy initiatives
The new contract directly aligns with this vision, reinforcing India’s position as a global leader in marine science and technology.
First Nation with Two PMS Contracts
India now holds,
- PMS exploration contract in Central Indian Ridge & Southwest Indian Ridge
- New PMS exploration contract in the Carlsberg Ridge
- Together, these make India the largest holder of PMS exploration area allocated in the international seabed.
What are Polymetallic Sulphides (PMS)?
- Polymetallic Sulphides are rich deposits of valuable metals formed from hydrothermal activity on the ocean floor.
- Key metals include iron, copper, zinc, silver, gold, and platinum.
- Due to their strategic and commercial value, PMS exploration is attracting increasing global attention.
India and ISA: A 30-Year Partnership
- India was the first country to receive an exploration area for Polymetallic Nodules in international waters.
- Recognized as a “Pioneer Investor” by ISA.
- With two PMS contracts, India reaffirms its long-standing leadership role in seabed exploration.
- India will also host the 8th ISA Annual Contractors Meeting in Goa (18–20 September 2025), strengthening collaboration further.
Quick Facts
- Announced by: Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences
- Contract Period: 15 years
- Allocated Area: 10,000 sq km in Carlsberg Ridge, Indian Ocean
- Institution Involved: Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR)
- Global Significance: India becomes first country to hold two PMS contracts
- International Seabed Authority (ISA): Established in 1994, headquartered in Kingston, Jamaica
- UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea): Adopted in 1982, governs seabed resources
- Deep Ocean Mission: Launched in June 2021 by PM Modi; focuses on Blue Economy and deep-sea exploration
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