• India has achieved a major milestone by receiving a first-of-its-kind licence from the International Seabed Authority (ISA) to explore polymetallic sulphides in the Carlsberg Ridge of the northwest Indian Ocean.
• The licence, signed in September 2025 with the Jamaica-based ISA, makes India the first country to secure exploration rights in this region.
• Under the agreement, India can explore an area of 3,00,000 sq. km for key minerals such as manganese, cobalt, nickel, and copper. These minerals are vital for manufacturing electric vehicle batteries, renewable energy systems, and advanced technologies, making them essential for India’s clean energy transition and high-tech industries.
• The Carlsberg Ridge, part of the larger Mid-Ocean Ridge system, is known for its rich deposits formed by hydrothermal activity. Securing this licence strengthens India’s position as a global leader in deep-sea resource exploration and supports its Deep Ocean Mission.
• This development not only reduces India’s dependence on imports of critical minerals but also boosts its strategic and economic standing in the Indo-Pacific.
• By becoming the pioneer in the Carlsberg Ridge, India has taken a decisive step toward sustainable utilization of ocean resources and future technological growth.