India's Deep Sea Exploration and Technology Development
Recent Developments
- India conducted wet testing of the Matsya-6000 submersible, which can dive up to 6 km for underwater mineral exploration.
- The launch of India’s first deep-sea manned vehicle is planned for later this year.
- China has revealed a compact deep-sea cable-cutting device, enhancing its significant submersible fleet.
Deep Sea Challenges
The global focus on deep-sea exploration concerns economic resources and potential conflicts.
- According to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas (UNCLOS), a country's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) extends 200 nautical miles (about 370 km) from its coast.
- India's EEZ has an average depth of 3,741 meters, while the Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench is over 10 km deep.
- Deep-sea operations demand advanced technology due to challenging conditions like pressure and sound propagation.
Importance of Deep Sea Technology
India must advance its deep-sea technology to harness oceanic resources for its blue economy.
- Oceans provide resources like minerals, oil, gas, and data crucial for climate and meteorological research.
- Technologies for exploration, diving, and submarine rescue are essential.
- Undersea cables, vital for global communications, require the ability to lay and maintain them.
- Mapping and underwater awareness are crucial for security, especially against threats like China's cable-cutter.
Strategic Steps for India
Deep-sea technology development needs financial support, research capabilities, and skilled personnel.
- Countries like China, France, Japan, and the US lead in deep-sea technology.
- India's Deep Ocean Mission under the Ministry of Earth Sciences aims for advancements like the Matsya-6000.
- Establishing excellence institutes and boosting funding for deep ocean science is necessary.
- Upgrade the Department of Ocean Development to a ministry with cabinet-level leadership for accountability.
- Projects require efficient execution, quick approvals, and high accountability.
- Recognize dual-use potential of deep-sea technologies in both research and conflict scenarios.