India pushes for global ocean pact at UN summit
New Delhi, June 10 (UNI) India on Tuesday made a powerful pitch for global ocean pact at the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), even as Union Minister of Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the country's leadership in deep-sea exploration, marine plastic reduction, and sustainable coastal development.
Addressing the international gathering, Dr. Singh showcased India's ambitious Deep Ocean Mission, including the upcoming deployment of its first manned submersible, Samudrayaan, by 2026.
He also emphasised India's national ban on single-use plastics, progress on the Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar campaign, and the launch of the SAHAV digital ocean data portal, signaling India's rising influence in marine science and governance, according to a Union Science and Technology Ministry's statement.
The Minister dwelled in details about the USD 80 billion port-led projects under the Sagarmala Programme as well as USD 2.5 Billion Fisheries Investment through the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
The Minister also said that as a green initiative to combat climate change threats, 6.6% of EEZ has been declared marine protected areas to support biodiversity goals, the statement added.
'Also, since 2022, over 50,000 tonnes of plastic waste removed from coastlines while 10,000 plus hectares of mangroves and nature-based shoreline solutions have been restored,' said the Minister.
He also called on global leaders to ratify the BBNJ Agreement, finalize a legally binding Global Plastics Treaty, and adopt a bold Nice Ocean Action Plan to accelerate action for SDG-14: Life Below Water.
Dr. Singh underscored the urgent need for science-driven, inclusive global partnerships. "The ocean is our shared heritage and responsibility. India stands ready to collaborate across sectors and borders for a sustainable ocean future," he declared.
India also played a prominent role in global dialogues—co-leading Blue Talks with France and Costa Rica, and hosting high-level side sessions on marine spatial planning and climate-resilient coasts, he added. UNI AJ SSP
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