The Deep Ocean Mission (DOM) is a national initiative launched by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) on 7th September 2021, as a five-year project (2021–2026) with a total budget of ₹4,077 crore. It is a multi-institutional, multi-disciplinary mission designed to:
- Explore deep-sea resources such as polymetallic nodules and sulphides.
- Develop indigenous technologies for manned and unmanned deep-sea exploration.
- Conserve and study deep-sea biodiversity.
- Create ocean climate change advisory services for sustainable planning.
- Support India’s Blue Economy policy, which emphasizes the responsible use of marine resources for growth, sustainability, and security.
By undertaking this mission, India joins the select group of nations such as the USA, Russia, France, Japan, and China that have advanced capabilities in deep-ocean exploration.
Why was the Deep Ocean Mission Launched?
The mission was launched to address scientific, economic, and strategic needs:
| Area | Details |
| Blue Economy Growth | • 7,517 km long coastline • 1,382 islands • EEZ of 2.37 million sq. km • Most of the resources remain untapped • Mission will use this potential for economic development |
| Critical Mineral Security | • High demand for minerals: nickel, cobalt, manganese, copper • Needed for renewable energy, EVs, and electronics • Deep ocean can provide sustainable and long-term supply |
| Scientific Understanding | • Oceans regulate climate and store carbon • Support rich biodiversity • Study of ocean currents and ecosystems • Helps in climate change research and prediction |
| Strategic Importance | • Growing competition in ocean exploration • China’s active presence in Indian Ocean • Mission boosts India’s self-reliance in technology • Reduces dependence on foreign nations |
What are the Key Components of the Deep Ocean Mission?
The mission has six major components, each linked to scientific, economic, and environmental goals.
1. Development of Deep-Sea Mining and Submersible Technologies
- The Samudrayaan Project aims to build a manned submersible called MATSYA-6000, capable of carrying three crew members to 6,000 meters depth.
- The submersible is made from titanium alloy to withstand extreme ocean pressure (up to 600 bar).
- India is also developing Varaha, a mining system for locomotion and extraction at depths up to 5,270 meters.
2. Ocean Climate Change Advisory Services
- India will develop observation systems to provide seasonal to decadal climate projections.
- This data will support cyclone predictions, coastal hazard warnings, and long-term climate models, benefiting agriculture, fisheries, and disaster management.
3. Exploration and Conservation of Deep-Sea Biodiversity
- The mission focuses on the study and conservation of deep-sea organisms, including microbes with potential applications in medicine, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals.
- Research on marine ecosystems will help formulate policies for sustainable fisheries and conservation.
4. Deep Ocean Surveys and Exploration
- India has signed contracts with the International Seabed Authority (ISA) for 75,000 sq. km of polymetallic nodule exploration in the Central Indian Ocean Basin.
- Surveys aim to locate resource-rich zones for sustainable extraction.
5. Energy and Freshwater Exploration from Oceans
- Research is being conducted on Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC), which uses temperature differences between surface and deep water to generate energy.
- An OTEC-powered desalination plant is planned to provide freshwater in island regions like Lakshadweep.
6. Advanced Marine Station for Ocean Biology
- This station will serve as a world-class research hub for marine biotechnology.
- It will include incubator facilities for startups and industries to convert research into commercial products.
What are the Major Achievements of the Mission So Far?
The details of the major achievvements are as follows:
- MATSYA-6000 completed its fourth-generation wet testing in 2025.
- Indian aquanauts (Cdr. Jatinder Pal Singh and Sh. Raju Ramesh) completed record dives to 4,025 m and 5,002 m in the Atlantic Ocean with French support (IFREMER).
- India collected 100 kg of cobalt-rich polymetallic nodules from 1,173 meters in the Andaman Sea.
- Varaha successfully demonstrated locomotion for deep-sea mining.
- India enhanced global cooperation while maintaining technological self-reliance.
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What are the Challenges in Deep Ocean Exploration?
The Challenges of the Deep Ocean exploration are as follows:
- Extreme Pressure: At 6,000 meters, pressure is 600 times higher than sea level, demanding specialized materials and designs.
- Communication Gaps: Electromagnetic waves do not propagate underwater, making remote operations difficult.
- Landing & Maneuvering: The soft seabed complicates the operations of heavy vehicles.
- High Energy Demands: Extracting minerals and transporting them to the surface requires massive energy.
- Environmental Risks: Deep-sea ecosystems are fragile, slow-growing, and easily damaged by mining activities.
- Geopolitical Competition: Rising Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean raises strategic concerns.
How does the Mission Align with Global Goals?
The Deep Ocean Mission aligns with international efforts to promote sustainable ocean use, contributing to global goals for ocean conservation, climate research, and responsible resource management
- United Nations Decade of Ocean Science (2021–2030): DOM directly supports the global call for sustainable ocean research.
- Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG-14): Focus on conserving and sustainably using “Life Below Water.”
- Atmanirbhar Bharat: Promotes indigenous technology development instead of relying on foreign systems.
- Blue Economy Vision 2030: Identified as one of the 10 pillars of growth in India’s development strategy.
What is the Economic and Strategic Significance of the Mission?
The economic and strategic significance of India’s Deep Ocean Mission are as follows:
- Mineral Security: Just 10% of recoverable polymetallic nodules could meet India’s energy and industrial needs for 100 years.
- Job Creation: Marine biotechnology, ocean energy, and tourism will generate employment, especially in coastal states.
- Maritime Security: Enhances India’s role in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- Technological Advancement: Strengthens India’s expertise in underwater robotics, sensors, and energy systems.
- Environmental Balance: The mission ensures sustainable exploration with environmental safeguards.
What is the Roadmap Ahead?
The Deep Ocean Mission follows a structured roadmap, outlining phased research, technology development, and deployment to achieve its long-term deep-sea exploration goals.
- Phase I (2021–2024): Research and prototype development (Budget: ₹2,823.4 crore).
- Phase II (2024–2026): Technology testing, integration, and deployment.
- 2027–28: First full-scale manned deep-sea trial with MATSYA-6000.
- Collaboration with France, US, Japan, and Quad partners for joint research and resource-sharing.
- Integration with the National Deep Water Exploration Mission for oil and gas (announced in 2025).
The Deep Ocean Mission is not just about technology it is about India’s future in marine sustainability, critical minerals, and strategic autonomy. By combining resource exploration, conservation, and innovation, the mission ensures India’s entry into the elite club of ocean powers.
It is a step towards Samudra Manthan, unlocking the ocean’s wealth while balancing environmental stewardship and global responsibility.
Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Details |
| Launch Year | 2021 |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) |
| Duration | 2021–2026 |
| Budget | ₹4,077 crore |
| Core Project | Samudrayaan (MATSYA-6000) |
| Depth Target | 6,000 meters |
| Exploration Zone | 75,000 sq. km in Central Indian Ocean Basin |
| Key Minerals | Cobalt, Nickel, Copper, Manganese |
| Strategic Vision | Blue Economy & Atmanirbhar Bharat |
| Global Alignment | UN SDG-14, Decade of Ocean Science |
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Questions Based on Deep Ocean Mission (DOM)
1. When was India’s Deep Ocean Mission launched?
(a) 2019
(b) 2020
(c) 2021
(d) 2022
Ans: (c) 2021
2. What is the total budget allocated for the Deep Ocean Mission?
(a) ₹2,823 crore
(b) ₹3,500 crore
(c) ₹4,077 crore
(d) ₹5,000 crore
Ans: (c) ₹4,077 crore
3. Which institute developed MATSYA-6000?
(a) NIO, Goa
(b) ISRO
(c) NIOT, Chennai
(d) DRDO
Ans: (c) NIOT, Chennai
4. What is the target depth of MATSYA-6000?
(a) 3,000 m
(b) 4,500 m
(c) 6,000 m
(d) 10,000 m
Ans: (c) 6,000 m
5. India has exploration rights for how much area in the Central Indian Ocean Basin?
(a) 50,000 sq. km
(b) 60,000 sq. km
(c) 75,000 sq. km
(d) 1,00,000 sq. km
Ans: (c) 75,000 sq. km
6. Which of the following minerals are found in polymetallic nodules?
(a) Lithium and Lead
(b) Nickel, Cobalt, Copper, Manganese
(c) Gold and Silver
(d) Zinc and Tin
Ans: (b) Nickel, Cobalt, Copper, Manganese
7. Which international body regulates deep-sea exploration?
(a) UNESCO
(b) International Maritime Organization
(c) International Seabed Authority
(d) World Bank
Ans: (c) International Seabed Authority
8. Which project is associated with India’s manned submersible?
(a) Varaha Project
(b) Samudrayaan Project
(c) Gaganyaan Project
(d) Sagar Maitri Project
Ans: (b) Samudrayaan Project
9. The UN has declared 2021–2030 as the decade of:
(a) Renewable Energy Development
(b) Ocean Science for Sustainable Development
(c) Marine Tourism Growth
(d) Climate Change Action
Ans: (b) Ocean Science for Sustainable Development
10. Which of the following is NOT a component of the Deep Ocean Mission?
(a) Ocean Climate Change Advisory Services
(b) Development of Satellite Launch Vehicles
(c) Deep-Sea Mining and Submersible Technologies
(d) Advanced Marine Station for Ocean Biology
Ans: (b) Development of Satellite Launch Vehicles
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