In this Policy Brief, Nicholas Weng-Lam Chu examines the geopolitical and environmental implications of deep-sea mining (DSM) in the Indian Ocean.

DSM is a novel way of extracting minerals from the bottom of the ocean, with commercial mining expected to begin soon. Currently, only exploratory licences have been granted. However, this emerging method of mineral extraction is already making waves. DSM is believed to pose geopolitical and environment risks to the Indian Ocean’s fragile marine ecosystem and resource-dependent coastal communities, with potential consequences for fisheries and biodiversity. The practice could risk depleting fish stocks and exacerbating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing in the Indian Ocean. As nations from the Indian Ocean and beyond compete for critical minerals, which are essential components in modern technologies and renewable energy, geopolitical tensions could potentially rise and complicate regional cooperation under frameworks like IORA and BIMSTEC. Given the accelerating push for commercial DSM operations and an uncertain regulatory framework under the International Seabed Authority, this policy brief examines the geopolitical and climate implications of DSM with a focus on global trends and developments in the Indian Ocean, with an emphasis on India and Sri Lanka. To address these challenges, the paper recommends developing comprehensive national DSM regulations with environmental safeguards and adopting regional best practices to minimise ecological harm.

This Policy Brief is published as part of IPCS’ ongoing, multi-year project collaboration with the Clingendael Institute in the Netherlands on the security implications of climate change in Southern Asia.