STATE TIMES NEWS
NEW DELHI: In a move underscoring India’s commitment to sustainable ocean development, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister, felicitated international trainees from six countries-Nigeria, Kenya, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Ghana, and Jamaica-who completed a specialized training program in Ocean Exploration.
The event, organized in collaboration with the International Seabed Authority (ISA), celebrated the completion of advanced seabed exploration training, focusing on Polymetallic Nodules (PMN) and Polymetallic Sulphides (PMS).
In his address at New Delhi’s Ministry of Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted India’s role as a leader in responsible seabed exploration, positioning the country as a hub for sustainable marine resource management and capacity building.
He congratulated the trainees, emphasizing that they were not just participants but “ambassadors of a sustainable future” and encouraged them to use their expertise to advocate for marine conservation in their home countries.
Dr. Singh outlined India’s principles for seabed mining, which include sustainable utilization of marine resources, strict environmental protection, and compliance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). India’s commitment to environmental stewardship is evident through its two ISA exploration contracts for PMN and PMS, ensuring stringent environmental impact assessments throughout the mining process.
The Minister also linked the training program to India’s broader Blue Economy initiative, which prioritizes the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, job creation, and livelihood enhancement, while safeguarding marine ecosystems. He reiterated that true progress is rooted in balancing development with environmental conservation.
Dr. Singh encouraged the trainees to build networks with their Indian peers, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing for a sustainable marine future. He concluded by reaffirming India’s commitment to deeper international cooperation in ocean exploration, positioning the country as a global leader in environmentally responsible seabed mining and marine science.