India’s Deep-Sea Exploration: Challenges, Opportunities, and Security

Why in News ?

India recently tested the Matsya-6000 submersible under the Samudrayaan Project to explore underwater minerals. Meanwhile, China’s deep-sea cable-cutting device raises concerns about underwater security, highlighting the need for advanced deep-sea capabilities.

Recent Developments and Technological Advancements:

  • India successfully conducted wet testing of the Matsya-6000 submersible under the Samudrayaan Project, capable of diving up to 6 km below sea level to explore underwater minerals.
  • The Deep Ocean Mission, launched in 2018 by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, aims to strengthen India’s deep-sea exploration capabilities.
  • China recently unveiled a deep-sea cable-cutting device, highlighting concerns about underwater infrastructure security.

Challenges in Deep-Sea Exploration and Security Concerns

  • Operating in deep-sea conditions demands specialized technology to handle extreme pressure, low visibility, and acoustic challenges.
  • India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) extends 200 nautical miles from the coast, covering depths averaging 3,741 meters.
  • The recent unveiling of China’s cable-cutting device poses threats to underwater communication lines critical for global internet traffic and power transmission.
  • Safeguarding underwater domain awareness and countering threats from hostile actors is vital for national security.

The Way Forward: Strengthening India’s Deep-Sea Capabilities

  • India needs to upgrade the Department of Ocean Development into a dedicated ministry with empowered leadership.
  • Establishing centers of excellence for deep-sea research and incentivizing ocean science and engineering are crucial.
  • India must develop underwater infrastructure for communication, mining, and scientific research while also considering dual-use capabilities for defense purposes.
  • Implementing a 10-year strategic plan with mission-mode projects will help accelerate advancements in deep-sea technology.

MATSYA 6000 and Deep Ocean Mission: Key Highlights

About MATSYA 6000:

○ Indigenously built manned submersible under the Samudrayaan Project (2020-2026).
○Developed by National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), Chennai under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).
○ Designed to carry 3 humans to a depth of 6000 meters for deep-sea exploration.
○India will become the 6th country with crewed undersea expedition capabilities.

About Deep Ocean Mission:

○ Launched in 2021 by MoES as a Central Sector Scheme with a budget of ₹4077 crore (2021-2026).
○ Aims to develop technologies for deep ocean resource exploration and support the Blue Economy.
○ Aligns with UN SDG-14 (Life Below Water) and the UN Decade of Ocean Science (2021-2030).

● Significance of the Mission:


○ Enhances strategic maritime capabilities and marine resource utilization.
○ Promotes economic growth, job creation, and sustainable ocean development.
○Focuses on deep-sea mining, biodiversity assessment, and climate studies.
○Strengthens marine infrastructure and supports marine tourism.