Samudra Manthan Boosts 'Blue Economy'

India has taken a significant step towards exploring its marine resources and boosting the 'Blue Economy.' On September 12, 2026, the state-of-the-art research vessel ORV 'Sagar Manthan' was dedicated to the service of the nation in the presence of Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh. With this, India's ambitious 'Deep Ocean Mission' has received a new and unprecedented impetus.

India possesses a vast coastline spanning approximately 11,000 to 12,000 kilometers, rich in invaluable marine minerals, rare earth elements, and biological resources. ORV Sagar Manthan is equipped with indigenously developed marine robots and deep-sea submersibles capable of conducting research at depths exceeding 6,000 meters.
The primary objective of this mission is to make India fully self-reliant in the field of marine research. Until now, the country had to rely on foreign technologies and vessels for deep-sea mapping and mineral exploration; however, with the induction of Sagar Manthan, Indian scientists will now be able to independently study the seabed of the Indian Ocean.

Furthermore, this mission is not limited to mineral exploration alone; it will also aid in understanding the marine ecosystem and the impact of climate change on the oceans. By gathering data on ocean currents and deep-sea organisms, scientists will be better equipped to forecast future environmental crises.

This initiative will strengthen India's economic and strategic capabilities in a multifaceted manner. Through the 'Blue Economy,' India aims to emerge as a leader in the sectors of energy, pharmaceuticals, and advanced metals in the coming decades, and ORV Sagar Manthan will prove to be a key pillar of this scientific revolution.