India to be 6th nation with deep sea mission

India is set to become the sixth country to undertake a deep sea mission, a project expected to significantly boost the country's economy, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences Jitendra Singh announced Sunday.

 

During a meeting to discuss the Ministry of Earth Sciences' 100-day action plan, Singh expressed satisfaction with the progress of the deep sea mission, noting India's distinction as one of the few nations to achieve this milestone.

 

“The mission encompasses more than mineral exploration; it aims to advance ocean sciences, explore marine flora and fauna, and conserve marine biodiversity,” Singh said.

 

The minister emphasized the mission's broad impact, including the potential for deep sea exploration, the commercial exploitation of rare earth metals, and the discovery of polymetallic nodules on the Indian seabed. He urged scientists and officials to develop indigenous technology to reduce India’s dependence on foreign resources.

 

Singh also highlighted the goal of achieving a resilient blue economy to support those who rely on the ocean and its resources for their livelihoods.

 

He praised the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) for developing 'Matsya 6000,' a submersible capable of reaching depths of 6,000 meters. Singh directed officials to complete the first stage of harbor trials by September 2024, with subsequent trials to be completed by 2026.