India’s Strategic Exploration of Mineral Resources in the Indian Ocean

Overview

In a strategic move, India has applied to the International Seabed Authority (ISBA) in Jamaica for rights to explore two vast tracts in the Indian Ocean seabed. These areas include the cobalt-rich Afanasy Nikitin Seamount (AN Seamount) and the Carlsberg Ridge. This initiative aims to secure vital mineral resources and counter potential Chinese reconnaissance in the same region.

Key Features of AN Seamount

• Location: The AN Seamount is situated in the Central Indian Basin, approximately 3,000 km from India’s coast.
• Dimensions: It measures 400 km in length and 150 km in width.
• Depth and Composition: Rising from an oceanic depth of about 4,800 meters to approximately 1,200 meters, it is rich in cobalt, nickel, manganese, and copper.

Strategic Importance

• Resource Security:
  • Mineral Wealth: The region holds deposits of cobalt, nickel, manganese, and copper, which are essential for various industrial applications, including battery manufacturing.
  • Energy and Economic Benefits: Securing these resources would support India’s growing energy needs and industrial development.
• Geopolitical Implications:
  • Countering Chinese Presence: India’s application is partly motivated by reports of Chinese vessels conducting reconnaissance in the region. Establishing exploration rights helps counterbalance Chinese influence.
  • International Law and Sovereignty: By applying through the ISBA, India adheres to international protocols under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which governs activities in the open ocean.

Challenges and Considerations

• Jurisdictional Disputes:
  • Sri Lanka’s Claims: The AN Seamount region has also been claimed by Sri Lanka under a different set of laws. This overlapping claim could complicate India’s exploration rights.
  • Continental Shelf Limits: Countries have exclusive rights up to 200 nautical miles from their borders, extendable to 350 nautical miles under certain conditions. Claims from both India and Sri Lanka are subject to approval by the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf.
• Technical and Economic Feasibility:
  • High Costs: Extracting minerals from the deep sea is technologically challenging and costly.
  • Environmental Concerns: Deep-sea mining poses potential risks to marine ecosystems, necessitating careful environmental assessments and sustainable practices.

India’s Strategic Moves

• Scientific Evidence: A high-level Indian delegation has presented scientific evidence to support its claims at the ISBA headquarters.
• Additional Claims: Besides the AN Seamount, India has applied for exploration rights over the Carlsberg Ridge, another mineral-rich area in the Central Indian Ocean.

Conclusion

India’s proactive approach to securing exploration rights in the Indian Ocean represents a significant step towards ensuring resource security and maintaining strategic balance in the region. By adhering to international protocols and addressing technical and environmental challenges, India aims to leverage these initiatives for economic growth and geopolitical stability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the significance of the Afanasy Nikitin Seamount for India?
Answer: The Afanasy Nikitin Seamount is rich in essential minerals such as cobalt, nickel, and manganese, which are crucial for India's industrial applications and energy needs.

Q2. How does India’s application to the ISBA relate to international law?
Answer: By applying through the ISBA, India complies with the international protocols established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which governs oceanic resource exploration.

Q3. What challenges does India face in exploring the seabed?
Answer: India faces jurisdictional disputes, particularly from Sri Lanka, and technical challenges related to the high costs and environmental impacts of deep-sea mining.

Q4. Why is resource security important for India?
Answer: Securing mineral resources is vital for India’s industrial growth, energy security, and strategic autonomy in the face of geopolitical challenges.

Q5. What are the potential environmental impacts of deep-sea mining?
Answer: Deep-sea mining can disrupt marine ecosystems, leading to loss of biodiversity and ecological balance, necessitating sustainable practices and careful assessments.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What is the primary mineral resource targeted in the Afanasy Nikitin Seamount?
A) Iron
B) Cobalt
C) Gold
D) Silver
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: Which international body governs seabed exploration rights?
A) United Nations
B) International Seabed Authority
C) World Trade Organization
D) International Maritime Organization
Correct Answer: B