In 2021, the Samudrayaan mission was initiated by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) of India through the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) in Chennai as part of the broader Deep Ocean Mission (DOM). The objective of this ambitious initiative is to create cutting-edge ocean exploration technologies, with a particular emphasis on human exploration of the deep sea. The MATSYA 6000, a piloted submersible that is capable of transporting three individuals to a depth of 6000 meters below the ocean surface, is one of the most significant advancements under Samudrayaan. This submersible is equipped with various scientific sensors, which will facilitate the comprehensive exploration and observation of the deep ocean environment, which is mainly unexplored.
MATSYA 6000 Development and Trials
The MATSYA 6000 design has been finalized. Critical wet harbor trials on the submersible, which included both crewed and uncrewed dives, were performed from January 22, 2025, to February 14, 2025. The vehicle’s fundamental functionalities, including levitation, stability, maneuverability, power management, communication, control devices, and human support and safety systems, were demonstrated during these tests. The initiative is making strides toward the completion of components for additional extensive ocean trials as a result of these successful trials.
The submersible’s operational endurance is 12 hours, though it can be extended to 96 hours in emergency situations. This enables scientific personnel to directly observe and investigate the deep-sea environment through direct intervention. This capability positions India in a limited number of countries that possess the technology for crewed deep-sea submersible exploration, including the United States, Russia, Japan, France, and China.
The Framework for the Deep Ocean Mission (DOM)
With cabinet sanction, the Government of India initiated DOM as a Central Sector Scheme with the objective of fostering the development of sustainable and advanced technologies for the exploration and utilization of deep ocean resources. The mission aims to enhance India’s strategic and scientific presence in deep ocean regions by allocating a comprehensive budget of ₹4,077 crore (approximately 547 million USD) over a five-year period from 2021 to 2026.
DOM is divided into six primary divisions, each of which is dedicated to the pursuit of distinct scientific and technological objectives:
- The advancement of technologies related to deep-sea mining, underwater robotics, and manned submersibles is noteworthy. This encompasses the MATSYA 6000 manned submersible and the Integrated Mining Systems, which are capable of mining polymetallic deposits at depths of approximately 6000 meters. These nodules are essential for a variety of industries, as they contain valuable metals such as copper, manganese, nickel, cobalt, and iron.
- Ocean Climate Change Advisory Services: The program aims to create networks for observing the ocean below 2000 meters and to develop climate models that will predict future changes in ocean chemistry, cyclone patterns, storm surges, wind waves, and sea level changes that affect coastal and ocean ecosystems.
- Technological Innovations for the Conservation and Exploration of Deep-Sea Biodiversity: This vertical concentrates on the exploration, cataloging, and preservation of deep-sea marine species, which includes the isolation of deep-sea microorganisms, DNA banking of deep-sea fauna, and the screening for novel biomolecules. The initiatives are designed to facilitate the comprehension and safeguarding of delicate deep-sea ecosystems.
- Hydrothermal mineral exploration across mid-ocean ridges in the Indian Ocean and the procurement of an all-weather multidisciplinary research vessel to support sustained oceanic operations are also part of the Deep Ocean Survey and Exploration mission.
- DOM is in the process of developing offshore technology to address energy and water resource challenges in a sustainable manner. This technology will enable the exploitation of renewable energy sources, such as Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC), and the desalination of seawater to provide freshwater.
- Advanced Marine Station for Ocean Biology: The mission aims to create a specialized facility that will facilitate the integration of advanced research in marine biology, ecology, and marine engineering, thereby promoting scientific excellence in ocean sciences, international collaborations, and capacity development.
Strategic Importance and Significance
DOM is instrumental in the development of indigenous deep-sea vehicle technology and the facilitation of strategic access to critical marine resources, thereby enhancing India’s blue economy. The mission ensures the sustainable exploration and administration of living and non-living marine resources by constructing a robust scientific infrastructure and contributing to India’s participation in international seabed governance. In addition to scientific advancements, the Technologies under DOM have the potential to generate immediate spin-offs in the areas of underwater engineering innovations, asset inspection technologies, and the promotion of ocean literacy among the public and scientific community. Consequently, these technologies will contribute to the long-term economic and environmental sustainability.
The mission is consistent with global environmental commitments, particularly the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG-14), which underscores the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources. This goal acknowledges the ocean’s critical role in supporting life and mitigating climate change.
In conclusion,
The strategic vision of India to investigate and sustainably utilize its vast oceanic territory and resources is embodied by the Samudrayaan project and the broad Deep Ocean Mission. India is establishing itself as a leader in ocean science and technology through the development of the MATSYA 6000 submersible and a variety of initiatives under the Department of Oceanography (DOM). The country is striving to achieve significant advancements in the areas of biodiversity conservation, climate change comprehension, resource extraction, renewable energy, and freshwater generation from oceanic sources. Scientific knowledge, technological innovation, and economic opportunities associated with the deep ocean will be substantially improved through the successful execution of this mission over its five-year timeline.