Context:
India is unlikely to ratify the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement, also known as the High Seas Treaty, during the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France (June 2025), despite having signed the agreement in September 2024.
- Key Reasons for Delay
- Amendments to existing laws, particularly the Biological Diversity Act, are required before formal ratification.
About the BBNJ Agreement
- Aim: To govern the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in the high seas, which lie beyond national EEZs.
- Status: As of June 10, 2025, 49 countries have ratified the treaty. It will come into legal force once 60 countries ratify.
- Controversy: Disagreements persist over sharing benefits from marine genetic resources, with developing nations demanding equitable frameworks.
India’s Position and Activities at the Conference
- Union Minister Jitendra Singh stated that India is in the “process of ratifying” the treaty.
- India emphasized:
- Samudrayaan: A manned submersible mission aiming to explore depths up to 6,000 metres with a trial dive in 2026.
- A nationwide ban on single-use plastics.
- $80+ billion in investments under the Blue Economy initiative.
- Advocacy for a legally binding Global Plastics Treaty.
- Launch of SAHAV, a new digital ocean data portal, highlighting India’s commitment to marine data sharing and governance.
