India has secured its first global licence for deep-sea exploration of polymetallic sulphides in the Carlsberg Ridge, a strategic region for vital metals like manganese, cobalt, copper, and nickel, which are essential for high-tech industries. This landmark agreement, signed on September 15, 2025, followed India’s earlier contracts with the International Seabed Authority (ISA) and aims to counterbalance rising global demand and Chinese activities in the Indian Ocean. Although commercial extraction remains costly and environmentally debated, the exploration rights serve as a strategic hedge to secure future resources and deter rival claims, particularly from Sri Lanka in the competing areas. This proactive approach underscores India’s commitment to safeguarding its maritime interests and resource access.