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Key Points

India called for urgent global action on ocean health at the UN Ocean Conference in France. Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh showcased over $80 billion in Blue Economy projects, including deep-sea exploration and plastic clean-up efforts. Key initiatives include the Samudrayaan manned submersible project and expanded Marine Protected Areas covering 6.6% of India’s EEZ. The country also advocated for international agreements like the BBNJ pact and a Global Plastics Treaty.

Key Points: India Urges Global Ocean Pact at UN Summit Showcases $80B Blue Economy

  • Dr Singh highlights $80B Blue Economy projects
  • Progress on Samudrayaan manned submersible by 2026
  • India backs BBNJ Agreement and Global Plastics Treaty
  • Over 1,000 km coastline cleaned under Swachh Sagar campaign
2 min read

India calls for global action on ocean health, showcases over $80 billion worth projects

India pushes for global ocean health action at UNOC3, unveiling $80B projects including deep-sea exploration and marine plastic clean-up initiatives.

"India’s Blue Economy initiatives are reversing ocean degradation through science and partnerships – Dr Jitendra Singh"

New Delhi, June 10

India on Tuesday called for urgent global action on ocean health at the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France.

At the conference, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh pushed for global ocean pact and unveiled major strides in deep-sea exploration, marine plastic clean-up, and sustainable fisheries.

Dr Singh highlighted progress on the Deep Ocean Mission’s upcoming manned submersible, a nationwide single-use plastic ban, and over $80 billion worth of the ‘Blue Economy’ projects.

India also backed the swift ratification of the BBNJ Agreement, advocated for a legally binding Global Plastics Treaty, and launched the ‘SAHAV’ digital ocean data portal, underscoring its growing leadership in global marine governance.

Addressing the conference, which is co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, Dr Singh reaffirmed India’s commitment to ‘Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water’.

He outlined how India’s initiatives are aimed at reversing ocean degradation through science, innovation, and inclusive partnerships.

A key highlight was the progress on the Deep Ocean Mission’s ‘Samudrayaan’ project, which is expected to deploy India’s first manned submersible by 2026. The project aims to explore ocean depths up to 6,000 metres and is seen as a major leap in India’s scientific capability.

Dr Singh also spoke of expanding India’s Marine Protected Areas, which now cover 6.6 per cent of the Exclusive Economic Zone, contributing to global biodiversity goals.

On marine pollution, the Minister pointed to tangible outcomes from the ‘Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar’ campaign, which has cleaned over 1,000 km of India’s coastline and removed more than 50,000 tonnes of plastic waste since 2022.

The draft marine litter policy has been prepared, and India continues to support negotiations on a Global Plastics Treaty aimed at a legally binding international framework.

India’s Blue Economy efforts, led by the Sagarmala Programme and the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), were also showcased.

Emphasizing climate resilience, Dr. Singh noted the restoration of over 10,000 hectares of mangroves and the implementation of shoreline management plans using nature-based solutions. India has also integrated ocean-based climate actions into its Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Finally some positive news! India taking leadership in ocean conservation is commendable. Our coastline is our treasure and protecting it benefits millions of fishermen. The Samudrayaan project sounds like ISRO-level ambition for oceans! 🇮🇳🌊
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Priya M.
While the initiatives sound great, I hope the plastic ban is properly enforced. In my local market, single-use plastics are still everywhere despite the rules. Action at ground level matters as much as global conferences.
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Arjun S.
$80 billion projects! Hope this creates jobs for coastal communities too. Our fishermen deserve better infrastructure and sustainable fishing methods. The mangrove restoration is especially important for cyclone protection in Odisha and Bengal.
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Neha T.
As someone from Chennai, I've seen the beach cleanups make a real difference. But we need more public awareness - people still treat beaches like garbage dumps. Maybe school programs about ocean health would help change mindsets long-term.
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Vikram J.
India should collaborate with neighbors like Sri Lanka and Bangladesh on ocean projects. Pollution doesn't respect borders! Joint efforts in Bay of Bengal could benefit all our coastal economies while protecting marine life.
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Sunita P.
The manned submersible project is exciting but I hope we're not neglecting basic needs of fishing communities first. Better weather warning systems and fisher safety should be priority along with high-tech projects.

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