India to launch first human submersible for ocean exploration this year
India is set to operate its first human underwater submersible at a depth of 500 meters in the sea, as part of the Deep Ocean Mission, Earth Sciences Minister Jitendra Singh announced on Thursday.
Addressing a Mission Steering Committee meeting, in the presence of Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary, Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, Niti Aayog Vice Chairman Suman Bery, Principal Scientific Advisor Ajay Kumar Sood and Earth Sciences Secretary M Ravichandran, among other officials, Singh said that the mission is aimed at exploring the massive, uncharted depths of the ocean and unravel crucial resources for the country’s economic and environmental future.
The submersible, capable of diving up to 500 meters into the sea, is set to begin operations this year. It is aimed to reach a depth of 6,000 meters by next year.
“Through this mission, we are not just exploring the depths of our oceans but also building a robust blue economy that will drive India’s future,” Singh said.
The project aligns with India’s other landmark missions, including the Gaganyaan space mission, to achieve scientific excellence across different fields, the minister added. He further affirmed that the initiative is based on indigenous technology, completely developed and manufactured in India to demonstrate India’s self-reliance in cutting-edge science.
“It is testament to India’s determination and innovative spirit,” the MoS added.
The Deep Ocean Mission aims to discover rare minerals, metals, and marine biodiversity that could drive India’s blue economy. By unraveling the underwater treasures, India is seeking to secure long-term benefits for its economy, scientific community and environmental resilience.
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