Reflections from Madam Secretary-General Leticia Carvalho on ISA Engagements in India

My first official visit to India as Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority was both significant and inspiring. From the signing of India’s new exploration contract for polymetallic sulphides in New Delhi to the Eighth Annual Contractors’ Meeting in Goa, the week underscored India’s leading role and long-standing commitment to the common heritage of humankind.

The signing ceremony marked India’s third ISA contract, its second for polymetallic sulphides, and the first contract I have signed in office. This milestone reflects India’s sustained leadership in seabed exploration, building on a legacy of more than four decades of groundbreaking work in the field. I commended India’s contributions to training and capacity development, with over 40 beneficiaries from developing States, as well as its emphasis on advancing scientific research, innovation and environmental stewardship under the framework of UNCLOS.

In New Delhi, I was also honoured to meet with the Vice Minister of External Affairs, who reaffirmed India’s strong political commitment to the work of the Authority and to multilateral cooperation in ocean governance.

In Goa, I had the privilege of opening the Eighth Annual Contractors’ Meeting, hosted by the Ministry of Earth Sciences and the National Institute of Oceanography. Since its establishment in 2017, this forum has become an important platform for dialogue between contractors, and the Secretariat.

This year, it brought together representatives of 16 ISA exploration contractors, alongside members of the Legal and Technical Commission and the interim Director-General of the Enterprise. Discussions focused on compliance, regulatory management, technology development and regional environmental management plans. I recognized the immense investment contractors have made in advancing marine scientific research and reminded participants that while the possibilities of the deep seabed continue to capture our imagination, this potential also comes with a profound responsibility, to ensure it is managed prudently, equitably and for the benefit of all humanity.

Across my bilateral engagements, including with the Ministry of Earth Sciences of India, the Institut français de recherche pour l’exploitation de la mer (Ifremer), the Cook Islands Investment Corporation and Blue Minerals Jamaica, there was shared recognition that the development of the exploitation regulations and associated standards and guidelines remains the most urgent and consequential task before us. I emphasized that advancing this work through inclusive, transparent and science-based dialogue is essential to reinforce confidence in the Authority as the custodian of the Area.

I left India encouraged by the depth of expertise and the constructive spirit demonstrated throughout the visit. With India’s leadership, the contributions of our contractors and the commitment of our global community, I am confident that the Authority can deliver a strong, science-based Mining Code, strengthen capacity development and ensure that the deep seabed, the common heritage of humankind, is governed responsibly and sustainably for generations to come.

Leticia Carvalho
Secretary-General, International Seabed Authority