Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh announced the signing of a 15-year contract between the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) and the International Seabed Authority (ISA) granting India exclusive rights to explore Polymetallic Sulphides (PMS) across a 10,000 sq km area of the Carlsberg Ridge in the Indian Ocean, according to an MoES release.With this agreement, India becomes the first country globally to hold two PMS exploration contracts with ISA, reinforcing its pioneering role in deep-sea resource exploration and strategic presence in the Indian Ocean.Dr Singh said the contract represents a major step towards realising the objectives of the Deep Ocean Mission launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which focuses on seabed mineral exploration, development of mining technologies, and strengthening India’s Blue Economy initiatives.“By securing exclusive rights for PMS exploration in the Carlsberg Ridge, India consolidates its leadership in deep-sea research. This will enhance our maritime presence and build national capacity for future resource utilisation,” he added.Polymetallic Sulphides are rich in strategic metals including iron, copper, zinc, silver, gold, and platinum. These minerals form as precipitates from hydrothermal fluids on the oceanic crust, making them highly sought after for their strategic and commercial potential.Dr Singh highlighted India’s long-standing partnership with ISA, noting that India was the first country to receive an area for polymetallic nodule exploration in international waters and was recognised as a “Pioneer Investor”. With contracts now in place on the Central Indian Ridge, Southwest Indian Ridge, and Carlsberg Ridge, India holds the largest global exploration area for PMS in the international seabed.“India’s 30-year association with ISA has been a source of pride. As ISA celebrates its 30th anniversary, India reaffirms its commitment to collaborate closely to uphold the mandate of the common heritage of humankind,” Dr Singh said. He also announced that India will host the 8th ISA Annual Contractors Meeting in Goa from September 18-20, marking another milestone in its seabed exploration leadership.Dr M. Ravichandran, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, stated that signing the second PMS exploration contract is a proud achievement for MoES and its autonomous institute, the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), Goa. “India is now the first ISA member state to hold two PMS exploration contracts and holds the largest allocated area globally for PMS exploration,” he said.Dr Ravichandran added that India aims to strengthen cooperation with ISA to expand scientific understanding of unexplored seabed ecosystems, protect the marine environment, and sustainably harness mineral resources for the benefit of humankind.