Deep Ocean Mission (DOM): India’s Gateway to the Ocean Floor

Deep Ocean Mission (DOM): India’s Gateway to the Ocean Floor

Launch & Objectives:

• Launched: September 7, 2021 by Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES)
• Aim: Develop technologies to explore and sustainably utilise deep ocean living & non-living resources
• Total investment: ₹4,077 crore over 5 years
• Supports India’s Blue Economy: fishing, shipping, biotechnology, tourism, offshore energy
• UN Alignment: Part of 2021–2030 “Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development”
• Geographical Advantage: 7,517 km coastline, 9 coastal states, 1,382 islands
• Economic Target: Boost maritime economy to > ₹100 billion

Mission Components:

1. Deep Sea Mining & Manned Submersible:
   • Indigenous submersible for 3 humans to 6,000 m
   • Integrated Mining System for polymetallic nodules in Central Indian Ocean
2. Ocean Climate Change Advisory Services:
   • Observations & models for seasonal-to-decadal climate trends
   • Support coastal tourism & climate resilience
3. Deep-Sea Biodiversity & Bio-Prospecting:
   • Study flora, fauna, microbes; support marine fisheries & allied services
4. Deep Ocean Survey & Exploration:
   • Identify multi-metal hydrothermal sulphide sites along Indian Ocean ridges
5. Energy & Freshwater from Ocean:
   • Offshore OTEC-powered desalination plant
6. Advanced Marine Station for Ocean Biology:
   • Talent development, innovation, and industrial applications

Key Achievements & Updates:

• Ocean Mineral Explorer (OMe 6000): Explored 5,271 m depth PMN site (Dec 2022)
• Samudrayaan Project: First manned submersible component; India set to launch human-operated submersible up to 500 m this year, extendable to 6,000 m next year
• National Deep Water Exploration Mission (“Samudra Manthan”): PM Modi announced for oil & gas exploration in sea
• Hydrothermal Vent Discovery (Dec 2024): Active vent at 4,500 m depth in Indian Ocean; confirms rich mineral deposits (nickel, cobalt, manganese) and unique chemosynthetic ecosystems
• Scientific Significance:
  • Insights into deep-sea biodiversity, climate change, origins of life
  • Advances India’s expertise in marine engineering, underwater robotics (AUVs), and oceanographic research
• Future Plans: New ocean survey vessel to be ready in 3 years; continued deep-ocean expeditions

Significance:

• Unlocks minerals, rare metals, energy, biodiversity
• Positions India among elite nations in deep-sea exploration technology
• Boosts Blue Economy, indigenous technology, research, employment, strategic capability
  
  Updated - 18 August 2025 ; 10: 23 PM  | DD News & Various