A race for the high seas dominion

Source: The post is based on the article “A race for the high seas dominion” published in “Business standard” on 21st July 2023.

Syllabus: GS 1- Distribution of key natural resources across the world & GS 2- Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests

News:  In this article the author discusses the economic, technological, and strategic significance of the high seas, emphasizing the immense potential of marine resources and deep-sea mining. Nations, including China, the US, and India, are racing to explore and control these areas due to their value in trade, research, and strategic dominance. The piece advocates for India to enhance its capabilities and approach in this realm for future benefits.

What is the high sea?

The high seas are parts of oceans beyond national jurisdictions. They represent the global commons, shared by all of humanity.

Covering an area 1.7 times larger than Earth’s inhabited land, they make up 95% of the sea’s volume.

The high seas hold immense marine resources, drive a $2.5 trillion trade, and are rich in minerals like polymetallic nodules.

New species for medicine and biotech research are also found here.

What is the risk to high seas?

Uncontrolled activities: Increased human activity can harm ocean ecology.

Mining: The potential extraction of minerals like polymetallic nodules can damage marine environments.

Overfishing: Dominant nations, like China with its 1,900 vessels, risk depleting fish stocks.

New species threat: Exploration can disturb undiscovered species, impacting potential medical and biotech research.

Environmental concerns: Deep-sea mining, especially without sustainable methods, can harm marine ecosystems.

What are the significances of high seas?

Economic Importance:

Drives a substantial trade: The high seas contribute to a global trade valued at $2.5 trillion, making up nearly 3% of the world’s GDP.

Fishing potential: Major nations like China (with its 1,900 vessels), Taiwan, Japan, and more have significant fishing operations. Valuable species like tuna and sharks are abundant.

Treasure of new species: Besides known marine life, the high seas may harbor undiscovered species that could be vital for medical and biotechnological advancements.

Mineral wealth: They contain vast amounts of essential minerals such as polymetallic nodules, rare earth metals, and others like copper and gold.

Technological Significance:

Deep-sea exploration: Achieving depths has become a technological race. The US reached 10,925 meters in 2012, while China hit just below 10,000 meters in 2020.

Advancements needed: Sustainable mining techniques are required to protect the environment, especially to minimize plumes from mineral dust.

India’s capabilities: Currently, India can only send unmanned submersibles but aims to develop technology for deeper manned missions.

Strategic Importance:

Symbol of global dominance: Controlling the high seas indicates international influence.

Security concerns: China’s positioning of ships in strategic oceanic locations impacts regional marine security.

Breaking dependencies: The US views deep-sea mining as a chance to reduce dependency on China for critical minerals, given China’s control over resources like gallium and germanium.

India’s stake: The Indian Ocean’s high seas are 19 times India’s landmass, making their control strategically vital for the nation.

What should India do?

Deep-sea Exploration: India aims to send manned submersibles to 6,000 meters but currently only has unmanned capability. This should be improved upon.

Mineral Mining: India’s allotted areas in the Indian Ocean, like the 75,000 square km in the Central Indian Ocean Basin, have potential resources like nickel, copper, cobalt, and manganese. India should develop the capability to mine them.

Collaborate: Consider partnering with like-minded nations, such as the QUAD, for shared benefits and knowledge exchange.

Promote Sustainability: Champion technologies that allow for sustainable exploitation of the high seas’ resources.

Strategic Presence: Ensure dominance in the Indian Ocean to counteract the influence of nations like China.