- India has filed to the International Seabed Authority (ISBA) for exploration rights on the Afanasy Nikitin (AN) Seamount in the Indian Ocean, which is outside its authority.
- India’s application is driven by reports of Chinese vessels conducting reconnaissance in the same area, which raises concerns about strategic interests and resource competitiveness.
About the AN Seamount
- The AN Seamount, located around 3,000 kilometres from India’s coast, is a significant structural structure in the Central Indian Ocean Basin.
- A seamount is a massive submerged landform that rises from the ocean floor but does not reach the surface, unlike an island.
- It measures 400 km long and 150 kilometres wide. It rises from an oceanic depth of approximately 4,800 metres to around 1,200 metres.
- It was discovered during a maritime research mission and named for Russian researcher Afanasy Nikitin.
- It is noted for its polymetallic nodules of cobalt, nickel, manganese, and copper.
Continental Shelf Claims and Implications
- Sri Lanka has sought for continental shelf rights that extend up to 500 nautical miles beyond its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), claiming a specific clause.
- India, recognising China’s position, has filed a claim for exploration rights to avoid future implications.
- India has also requested for permission to explore the Carlsberg Ridge, a 3,00,000-square-kilometer zone in the Central Indian Ocean, in search of polymetallic sulphides rich in copper, zinc, gold, and silver.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/sensing-china-threat-india-joins-race-to-mine-new-sea-patch/article67995397.ece