Deep-Sea Mining, Blue Economy And Strategic Competition: Emerging Opportunities And Geopolitical Challenges For India

Policy Update

Riddhi Suthar

Background 

In 1987 India became the first country to receive “Pioneer Investor” status from the International Seabed Authority (ISA) for exploration of polymetallic nodules in the Central Indian Ocean Basin (CIOB). Nearly 75,000 sq. km. of seabed area in the Indian Ocean is allocated to India for exploration activities. Institutions such as the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, primarily implement such programs.

India views deep-sea mining as an important component of its maritime security, energy transition, and critical mineral security. The growing demand for minerals such as cobalt, nickel, manganese, and copper used in electric vehicles, batteries, renewable energy systems, semiconductors, and defence technologies makes deep-sea mining strategically important because India currently relies heavily on imports of critical minerals

India’s Deep Ocean Mission was launched in 2021 by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) to develop technologies for exploring and sustainably utilising the deep ocean’s resources. It is driving forward India’s Blue Economy, which includes all marine-based industries – from fishing and shipping to biotechnology and tourism.

Under this mission, India is building a Matsya 6000 submersible to take three people down to 6000 meters in the ocean. Alongside, an Integrated Mining System will be developed to extract polymetallic nodules from the deep sea in the Central Indian Ocean. Deep-sea mining has become part of wider strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific region.

India has strengthened its maritime capabilities and technological competitiveness due to China’s dominance in global critical mineral supply chains. Seabed exploration is a strategic necessity linked to national security and maritime influence for India because of China’s expanding presence in the Indian Ocean. While accelerating extraction capabilities, India is committed to ecological assessments and sustainable mining practices to protect the marine ecosystem

Functioning 

India aims to develop indigenous technologies for exploring and extracting minerals from the deep seabed, including polymetallic nodules for which the Matsya 6000 is being developed under India’s Deep Ocean Mission approved by the Union Cabinet in June 2021 with a budget allocation of approximately ₹4,077 crore for a period of five years 

Built with a titanium alloy it can withstand extremely high underwater pressure. It is India’s first indigenous manned deep-ocean submersible equipped with Scientific sensors, Underwater cameras, Navigation systems and Sampling & observation tools for marine research. Isro has successfully developed the personnel sphere for the submersible vessel MATSYA-6000, by completing a critical welding process after 700 weld trials.

Matsya 6000 is considered strategically significant because only a few countries possess such an advanced deep-sea human exploration capability. The main objectives for the development of Deep Sea Mining Technology are: 

• Deep sea exploration and oceanographic research with assessment of Biodiversity and ecosystem studies while testing underwater technologies for future deep sea mining. 
• Advances India’s blue economy vision and Atmanirbhar Bharat agenda while ensuring Critical mineral security, projecting India’s maritime scientific leadership and maintaining Strategic competition in the Indian Ocean region. 

The Integrated Underwater Mining System is a major technological component of India’s Deep Ocean Mission aimed at enabling the extraction of polymetallic nodules and other critical minerals that are essential for Electric vehicle batteries, Renewable energy technologies, Semiconductors, aerospace, and defence industries leading to a reduction of dependence on imported strategic minerals and supporting Indigenous development of deep-sea mining technologies.

The Deep Sea Biodiversity Research and Conservation component of the Deep Ocean Mission focuses on balanced resource extraction with marine environmental protection. This helps in protecting fragile marine ecosystems, while ensuring sustainable utilisation of marine biological resources and genetic resources from marine organisms that may be useful in Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology and Cosmetics. The mission has sanctioned 138 research projects related to ocean science and biodiversity at a projected cost of ₹358.56 crore.

India is particularly studying Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) and seawater desalination technologies as part of long-term energy and water security planning to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and it is strategically important to support the clean energy transition and enhance water security for coastal populations. The National Institute of Ocean Technology has also designed a larger 10 MLD offshore desalination plant to provide freshwater for coastal and island regions.

Deep-sea exploration missions, coastal radar systems, naval deployments, and satellite-based maritime domain awareness collectively help India monitor foreign activities and strategic encroachments in the wake of the expanding maritime footprint of China. India seeks to deepen strategic partnerships with neighbouring countries such as Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius, and Seychelles through initiatives involving marine research, coastal infrastructure, sustainable fisheries and hydrographic assistance. Ocean diplomacy strengthens India’s soft power and technological credibility.  

The SAGAR Policy envisions development assistance along with providing strategic leverage amid intensifying competition over ports, logistics corridors, and maritime chokepoints. The Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of nearly 2.37 million sq. km is linked to India’s maritime interests. Under SAGAR, the Blue Economy is not viewed solely as a commercial sector but as a mechanism for expanding India’s geopolitical influence.

Performance 

Source: Author’s compilation using data from Ministry of Earth Sciences Annual Reports, PIB releases on Deep Ocean Mission and Samudrayaan, NIOT technical updates, Union Budget documents and International Seabed Authority data

India completed wet harbour trials of the MATSYA-6000 human submersible during January–February 2025. The project uses advanced underwater robotic systems, deep-sea communication systems, emergency safety mechanisms, AI-based monitoring technology, and a specialised titanium chamber designed to safely carry humans for deep ocean missions. Apart from India, countries like the USA, China, Russia, France, and Japan are technologically capable deep-sea nations. This enhances India’s underwater surveillance capability and strategic ocean presence.

India holds exploration rights in the Central Indian Ocean Basin. About 366 million metric tonnes of polymetallic nodules containing various minerals have been identified which are strategically important for defence manufacturing, semiconductors, EV batteries and renewable energy systems. India aims to reduce import dependence on China-dominated mineral supply chains. India also recovered more than 100kg of cobalt-rich nodules from the Andaman Sea.

Deep ocean missions are one of India’s largest ocean technology and exploration initiatives. Budgetary support for ocean governance and maritime technology has steadily increased. The Indian government has allocated ₹600 crore specifically for the Samudrayaan project in the Union Budget 2025-26. 

A collaborative implementation approach involving multiple agencies was followed for this mission. The NIOT led deep-sea engineering and mining systems, ISRO supported communication and advanced technology integration, DRDO contributed strategic materials and defence-related technologies, while Indian private companies assisted in manufacturing and indigenous component production.

The Sagarmala project increasingly focuses on coastal infrastructure, logistics connectivity and port-led industrialisation. The deep ocean mission supports climate resilience, marine conservation and sustainable ocean governance. The increase in financial allocation and institutional participation in India’s deep-sea mining and blue economy initiatives indicates that the government now views the ocean sector as a major strategic domain rather than merely a scientific programme.

Impact 

Deep-sea minerals are turning oceans into zones of geopolitical rivalry for control over critical resources. The ocean is the new frontier for strategic competition, technological dominance, and national power projection. The government is increasingly giving attention to the deep ocean similar to cyberspace. The blue economy is no longer limited to ports, fisheries or tools of employment generation for the coastal population. Deep-sea mining critically links ocean policy with India’s green transition strategy. 

India’s Deep Ocean Mission acts as a balancing strategy to prevent strategic dependence and maintain rule based maritime order as China has aggressively expanded maritime infrastructure across the Indo-Pacific. The dual use ocean technological capabilities like deep-sea sensors, underwater communication systems and submersibles strengthen naval surveillance, submarine tracking and aid underwater intelligence gathering.

Major powers like China dominate critical mineral processing and this creates strategic risks for India’s industrial and energy transition goals because geopolitical tensions, export restrictions, or trade disruptions can affect the supply chain. In this context, India’s deep-sea mining initiatives reflect a form of resource security diplomacy. Ocean cooperation allows India to build stronger ties with Indian Ocean island states, ASEAN countries and African coastal nations.

The underwater data infrastructure makes the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) strategically valuable. Deep ocean capabilities offshore energy assets, maritime trade routes and underwater communication cables are becoming part of broader national security planning. The domestic ecosystem supports India’s larger goal of technological self-reliance under Atmanirbhar Bharat. Future ocean leadership will depend on responsible ocean governance.

Emerging Issues 

Under the International Seabed Authority, Commercial deep-sea mining regulations create uncertainty regarding revenue-sharing mechanisms, environmental safeguards and commercial exploitation rights. Despite progress under the Deep Ocean Mission, India still faces challenges in deep-sea drilling systems, AI-enabled ocean mapping and advanced underwater robotics. 

Over 500 submarine communication cables are dispersed throughout the world’s oceans, carrying over 95% of all internet and financial data traffic. For instance, damage to Red Sea submarine cables in 2024 disrupted internet traffic between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.The submarine cables are considered strategic national assets for India because of its growing digital economy, fintech ecosystem, and defence networks.

Therefore, future maritime competition may lead to subsea strategic warfare involving cable sabotage, cyberattacks on offshore systems, the deployment of autonomous underwater drones, and underwater espionage. Deep-sea mining activities may create irreversible ecological damage at depths of 5,000–6,000m. 

The sector faces challenges like limited specialised academic programmes, a shortage of trained deep-sea engineers and low private-sector participation in marine technology R&D. 

Way forward 

The Ministry of Earth Sciences and the Deep Ocean Mission should strategically prioritise strengthening indigenous capabilities in deep-sea robotics and critical mineral extraction technologies. Simultaneously by advocating transparent mining regulations, equitable benefit-sharing and strict environmental safeguards India should actively participate in shaping global norms within the International Seabed Authority framework. 

India should strengthen public–private partnerships in deep-sea exploration and promote startups working in marine technology, underwater robotics, autonomous systems, and AI-based ocean mapping. Greater investment in indigenous blue-tech innovation, research infrastructure, and ocean data systems under initiatives such as the Deep Ocean Mission and Maritime India Vision 2030 can enhance India’s technological and strategic capabilities.

Collaboration among government institutions, academia, the navy, and private industries should be expanded to accelerate marine innovation and skill development. 

The government must adopt a balanced approach toward the emerging deep-sea domain to cater for the security, sustainability and technological needs. Stronger maritime domain awareness, naval coordination, cyber resilience, and Indo-Pacific alliances like the Quad should be prioritised in order to improve submarine cable security. Greater funds should be allocated for maritime universities, and a competitive blue technological ecosystem should be developed along with specialised skill development and commercial sector involvement. As a responsible Indo-Pacific power, India must adhere to international environmental norms, biodiversity protection obligations and practice sustainable ocean governance. 

References 

1. Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), 2021, Deep Ocean Mission, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India. Available at: https://www.moes.gov.in/offerings/schemes-and-services/details/deep-ocean-mission-cTMzATMtQWa
2. Press Information Bureau (PIB), 2021, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh says, Deep Ocean Mission to be implemented by the Ministry of Earth Sciences at a total budget of Rs. 4077 Cr for 5 years during the period 2021–2026, Government of India, 10 August 2021. Available at: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=155043&ModuleId=3&reg=3&lang=2
3. NITI Aayog, 2025, India’s Blue Economy Strategy for Harnessing Deep Sea and Offshore Fisheries, Government of India. Available at: https://niti.gov.in/sites/default/files/2025-10/Indias-Blue-Economy-Strategy-For-Harnessing-Deep-Sea-And-Offshore-Fisheries.pdf
4. Firstpost, 2021, Explained: India launches Deep Ocean Mission; what is seabed mining and its challenges, Firstpost. Available at: https://www.firstpost.com/india/explained-india-launches-deep-ocean-mission-what-is-seabed-mining-and-its-challenges-9220471.html
5. Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), n.d., Deep Ocean Mission, INCOIS, Ministry of Earth Sciences. Available at: https://incois.gov.in/site/deep-ocean.jsp
6. Press Information Bureau (PIB), 2017, Cabinet approves Deep Ocean Mission, Government of India, 29 March 2017. Available at: https://www.pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=170138
7. The Hindu, 2019, Why is India pulled to deep-sea mining?, The Hindu, 30 July 2019. Available at:https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/why-is-india-pulled-to-deep-sea-mining/article28809029.ece
8. Times of India, 2025, India develops personnel sphere, completes welding on submersible after 700 trials, Times of India. Available at: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-develops-personnel-sphere-completes-welding-on-submersible-after-700-trials/articleshow/122867246.cms
9. Press Information Bureau (PIB), 2024, Samudrayaan Mission and Deep Ocean Mission updates, Government of India. Available at: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2202376
10. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), 2021, India and Maritime Cooperation related press release, Government of India. Available at: https://www.mea.gov.in/press-releases.htm?dtl/32803/
11. Press Information Bureau (PIB), 2024, Deep Ocean Mission progress and implementation details, Government of India. Available at: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2104039
12. Press Information Bureau (PIB), 2021, Deep Ocean Mission budgetary and implementation details, Government of India. Available at: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?ModuleId=3&NoteId=155043&reg=3&lang=2
13. News on Air, 2025, Samudrayaan Mission gets Rs 600 crore allocation in Union Budget, Prasar Bharati. Available at:https://www.newsonair.gov.in/samudrayaan-mission-gets-rs-600-crore-allocation-in-union-budget/
14. Press Information Bureau (PIB), 2022, Cabinet and mission updates on Deep Ocean Mission, Government of India. Available at: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1797250
15. Press Information Bureau (PIB), 2024, Deep Ocean Mission technological developments and achievements, Government of India. Available at: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2120525
16. International Seabed Authority (ISA), n.d., Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), ISA. Available at: https://isa.org.jm/biological-diversity-of-areas-beyond-national-jurisdiction-bbnj/
17. Observer Research Foundation (ORF), 2024, Maritime Sector Development: A Gateway to Viksit Bharat, ORF. Available at: https://www.orfonline.org/research/maritime-sector-development-a-gateway-to-viksit-bharat
18. International Telecommunication Union (ITU), n.d., Submarine Cables and Digital Resilience, ITU. Available at: https://www.itu.int/digital-resilience/submarine-cables/
19. International Seabed Authority (ISA), n.d., Mining Code Recommendations, ISA. Available at: https://isa.org.jm/mining-code-recommendations/

About the Contributor

Riddhi Suthar is a researcher and policy enthusiast with interests in public policy, governance, international relations, maritime affairs, and strategic studies. Their work focuses on evidence-based policy analysis, geopolitical developments, and emerging global challenges, with particular attention to India’s strategic and developmental priorities. She is engaged in analytical writing, policy research, and academic discussions related to governance, security, and international affairs.

Acknowledgement 

The author extends sincere gratitude to the IMPRI team for their expert guidance and constructive feedback throughout the process.

Reviewed by Simona Hughes and Paridhi

Disclaimer 

All views expressed in the article belong solely to the author and not necessarily to the organisation.

Read More at IMPRI:

India’s Carbon Market Framework: What It Means for Industry and Climate Governance

India’s ESG Reporting Shift: What BRSR Core Means for Indian Businesses