The Deep Ocean Mission aims to unlock valuable underwater resources, including critical minerals, rare metals, and marine biodiversity, vital for India’s economic growth and environmental sustainability
GUWAHATI: India is set to operate its first human submersible at a depth of 500 metres in the sea this year as part of the ambitious Deep Ocean Mission. This was announced by Union Earth Sciences Minister Jitendra Singh on Thursday, January 23.
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Speaking at a Mission Steering Committee meeting attended by senior officials, Singh stated that the submersible mission will achieve a depth of 500 metres initially, with plans to extend operations to 6,000 metres by next year.
The Deep Ocean Mission aims to unlock valuable underwater resources, including critical minerals, rare metals, and marine biodiversity, vital for India’s economic growth and environmental sustainability. “Through this mission, we are not just exploring ocean depths but building a robust blue economy to drive India’s future,” Singh stated.
He emphasised that the project is entirely indigenous, relying on technology developed and manufactured in India, underscoring the nation’s self-reliance in advanced sciences.
Beyond resource exploration, the mission additionally seeks to enhance understanding of deep-sea ecosystems, contributing to sustainable fisheries and biodiversity conservation.
Singh also highlighted the alignment of this milestone with other initiatives at the meeting, such as the Gaganyaan space mission.
