India’s Deep-Sea Exploration & Blue Economy Strategy (2025)

6️⃣5️⃣ India’s Deep-Sea Exploration & Blue Economy Strategy (2025) 🌊⚓

🔹 Introduction

India is expanding its deep-sea exploration capabilities under the Samudrayaan Mission and Deep Ocean Mission (DOM) to tap into marine resources, deep-sea mining, and blue economy opportunities. With a 7,500 km coastline and rich Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), India is investing in seabed mapping, undersea mineral extraction, and deep-sea research to boost economic growth and strategic security.

However, challenges like technological limitations, environmental concerns, and geopolitical tensions in the Indian Ocean need to be addressed for sustainable deep-sea resource management.

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🔹 Key Developments in India’s Deep-Sea Exploration (2025)

✅ Samudrayaan Mission & Deep Ocean Exploration 🚢

• India’s first manned deep-sea mission, ‘Matsya 6000,’ launched for ocean research.
• Deep-sea submersible technology developed for mining polymetallic nodules.
• ISRO and NIOT collaborating on deep-sea surveillance systems.

✅ Seabed Mining & Rare Earth Mineral Exploration ⛏️

• Exploration of polymetallic nodules (Nickel, Cobalt, Manganese) in the Indian Ocean.
• Marine biotechnology initiatives for pharmaceuticals and biofuel production.
• Strategic partnerships with Japan & the US for sustainable seabed mining.

✅ Marine Renewable Energy & Sustainable Fisheries 🌱

• Offshore wind and tidal energy pilot projects initiated.
• AI-driven fisheries management to prevent overfishing.
• Expansion of marine protected areas for biodiversity conservation.

✅ Geopolitical Strategy & Naval Security in Deep-Sea Exploration ⚔️

• Underwater drones deployed for surveillance in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
• Deep-sea infrastructure development for submarine cable security.
• Increased cooperation with QUAD nations for maritime security.

✅ Challenges in India’s Deep-Sea Missions ⚠️

• High cost and technological barriers in deep-sea mining.
• Environmental concerns over marine ecosystem damage.
• Geopolitical conflicts in EEZ resource exploitation.

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📌 Advanced 3-Statement-Based MCQs on India’s Deep-Sea Exploration (2025)

1️⃣ Consider the following statements regarding India’s Samudrayaan Mission:

1. ‘Matsya 6000’ is India’s first manned deep-sea submersible for deep ocean research.
2. The mission aims to explore seabed resources and marine biodiversity at depths of over 6,000 meters.
3. India has already commercialized deep-sea mining operations.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, and 3

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2️⃣ Consider the following statements regarding India’s deep-sea mining initiatives:

1. India has obtained deep-sea mining rights in the Central Indian Ocean Basin (CIOB).
2. The primary focus of deep-sea mining is extracting polymetallic nodules containing valuable minerals.
3. India’s seabed mining operations are unregulated and conducted without environmental assessments.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, and 3

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3️⃣ Consider the following statements regarding marine renewable energy in India:

1. India is exploring offshore wind and tidal energy as alternative energy sources.
2. AI-powered marine conservation projects are being used to monitor fish stock sustainability.
3. India has banned deep-sea mineral extraction to protect the marine ecosystem.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, and 3

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4️⃣ Consider the following statements regarding naval security in deep-sea exploration:

1. India is using underwater drones for surveillance in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
2. Submarine cables in deep-sea regions are critical for global internet connectivity and national security.
3. India has signed an agreement with China for joint military patrols in the Indian Ocean.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, and 3

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5️⃣ Consider the following statements regarding challenges in India’s deep-sea exploration:

1. Deep-sea mining requires high-end technology and large-scale infrastructure investment.
2. India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) has geopolitical tensions over resource extraction rights.
3. India has developed a fully eco-friendly deep-sea mining technology with zero environmental impact.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, and 3

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🚀 Conclusion

India’s deep-sea exploration and blue economy strategy are unlocking new frontiers in resource extraction, renewable energy, and naval security, but technological challenges, environmental concerns, and geopolitical issues remain. With sustained investment in oceanic research, AI-driven fisheries, and sustainable deep-sea mining, India is poised to become a global leader in maritime resource management.