India gets exclusive rights to explore polymetallic sulphides in Carlsberg Ridge; first country with two PMS contracts
India signed a 15-year contract with the International Seabed Authority for exclusive rights to explore polymetallic sulphides in 10,000 sq km of the Carlsberg Ridge in the Indian Ocean, Dr. Jitendra Singh announced on 20 September 2025.
Summary
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced on 20 September 2025 the signing of a new 15-year contract between the Ministry of Earth Sciences and the International Seabed Authority (ISA) for exclusive rights to explore polymetallic sulphides (PMS) in a 10,000 sq km area of the Carlsberg Ridge in the Indian Ocean. India thus became the first country to hold two ISA contracts for PMS exploration; the other covers the Central Indian Ridge and Southwest Indian Ridge. India also holds the largest PMS exploration area allocated in the international seabed. India was the first country to receive an area for polymetallic nodule exploration in international waters and was designated a "Pioneer Investor". The contract supports the Deep Ocean Mission, and India is to host the 8th ISA Annual Contractors Meeting in Goa.
Key facts
- Contract
- 15 years, MoES with ISA
- Area
- 10,000 sq km, Carlsberg Ridge, Indian Ocean
- Milestone
- First country with two ISA contracts for PMS
- Other PMS contract
- Central Indian Ridge & Southwest Indian Ridge
- Status
- Pioneer Investor (first area for polymetallic nodules)
- Linked to
- Deep Ocean Mission; 8th ISA Annual Contractors Meeting in Goa
Practice MCQs 5 questions
In which feature of the Indian Ocean did India secure exclusive rights to explore polymetallic sulphides under a contract announced on 20 September 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Carlsberg Ridge
The new 15-year ISA contract covers 10,000 sq km of the Carlsberg Ridge.
With which body did India's Ministry of Earth Sciences sign the contract for polymetallic sulphide exploration in the Carlsberg Ridge?
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Correct answer: D — International Seabed Authority
The 15-year contract was signed between the Ministry of Earth Sciences and the International Seabed Authority (ISA).
What is the duration of India's new ISA contract for polymetallic sulphide exploration in the Carlsberg Ridge?
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Correct answer: A — 15 years
The new contract runs for 15 years and covers 10,000 sq km.
Consider the following statements: 1. India is the first country to hold two ISA contracts for polymetallic sulphide exploration. 2. India's other PMS contract covers the Central Indian Ridge and Southwest Indian Ridge. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: with the Carlsberg Ridge contract India became the first country with two ISA PMS contracts, the other covering the Central Indian Ridge and Southwest Indian Ridge.
India was designated a 'Pioneer Investor' by virtue of being the first country to receive an area in international waters for exploration of:
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Correct answer: D — Polymetallic nodules
India was the first country to receive an area for polymetallic nodule exploration in international waters and was designated a "Pioneer Investor".