The increased Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) has prompted India to seek rights to explore cobalt reserves. India’s application to the International Seabed Authority aims to explore cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts in the Afanasy Nikitin Seamount located in the Central Indian Ocean. This strategic move places India in direct competition with Sri Lanka, which is also seeking to extend its continental shelf to encompass these valuable cobalt reserves.
Cobalt plays a crucial role as a critical element in electric vehicle batteries, aligning perfectly with India’s ambition to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070. Securing a steady supply of cobalt resources is vital for facilitating India’s energy transition and fostering technological advancements.
On January 18, 2024, India submitted its application to the International Seabed Authority. The application encompasses an area of 3,000 square kilometers within the Central Indian Ocean. India has allocated $500,000 for the consideration of its application and has proposed a comprehensive exploration plan structured into three phases over a 15-year timeline.
Sri Lanka has responded by applying for an extension of its continental shelf limits under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. This extension would include the Afanasy Nikitin Seamount, which potentially conflicts with India’s claims. In 2022, India voiced its opposition to Sri Lanka’s claims, arguing that it prejudices India's rights over the continental shelf.
The ISA is tasked with evaluating and approving applications for seabed exploration. India's application is currently on hold due to overlapping claims with another country, believed to be Sri Lanka. The ISA's decision will be pivotal in determining the rights to explore the disputed area.
China’s dominance in the cobalt supply chain, coupled with its frequent mapping activities in the IOR, has raised concerns in India. Chinese survey vessels, such as Yuan Wang, have been entering the region, ostensibly for scientific purposes, but they also gather data that could serve military interests. This has resulted in heightened tensions and increased vigilance from India.
As of January 1, 2024, Sri Lanka has imposed a moratorium on foreign research vessels operating in its waters. This measure aims to regulate and oversee foreign activities, particularly those involving Chinese vessels that have been gathering significant data under the guise of scientific research.
The competition for cobalt mining rights underscores the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean and highlights the ongoing power struggle between India and China. Control over these resources carries substantial economic and military implications, influencing both regional stability and international relations.
The ISA’s decision regarding India’s application, along with the resolution of Sri Lanka’s claims, will significantly influence the geopolitical dynamics in the region. Effective diplomacy and adherence to international laws will be essential for resolving the dispute and fostering regional cooperation.
The scramble for cobalt in the Indian Ocean reflects a broader global trend where nations compete for control over critical resources necessary for technological and energy advancements. This competition emphasizes the importance of strategic resource management and international collaboration to address the challenges of resource scarcity and geopolitical tensions.
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