Overview

• Signed on September 15 between the Ministry of Earth Sciences and the International Seabed Authority, the agreement grants exclusive exploration rights over a 10,000 sq km block of the Carlsberg Ridge.
• With this deal, India becomes the first nation to hold two active ISA contracts for polymetallic sulphide exploration and now has the largest PMS area allocated globally.
• Officials framed the agreement as a capacity-building milestone under the Deep Ocean Mission focused on seabed research, mining technology development and maritime presence.
• Polymetallic sulphides at hydrothermal vent sites contain metals such as copper, zinc, iron, silver, gold and platinum that are important for industry and clean-energy technologies.
• India is hosting the 8th ISA Annual Contractors Meeting in Goa from September 18–20, underscoring its leadership role in international seabed exploration.