Deep Ocean Mission: India to launch its 1st human underwater submersible this year

India is set to launch its first human underwater submersible this year, a landmark initiative under the Deep Ocean Mission, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh announced on Thursday.

Singh said that the submersible will initially operate at a depth of up to 500 metres.

By next year, the vehicle is expected to achieve a depth of 6,000 metres, placing India among an elite group of six nations capable of such advanced underwater expeditions, according to a government release.

“Through this mission, we are not just exploring the depths of our oceans but also building a robust blue economy that will drive India’s future,” Singh said at the second meeting of the Mission Steering Committee on the "Deep Ocean Mission."

He emphasised that the entire initiative is based on indigenous technology, developed and manufactured entirely in India, showcasing the nation’s self-reliance in cutting-edge science.

The mission is focused on unlocking critical ocean resources such as rare minerals, metals, and marine biodiversity. It also seeks to bolster India's blue economy and contribute to sustainable fisheries and biodiversity conservation.

The minister noted that the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the project, but he expressed optimism about the progress made, describing it as a testament to India’s determination and innovative spirit.

He also pointed to the unique dual milestone in the coming years, as one Indian will travel to space while another will venture into the depths of the ocean, signifying the country’s advancements in both space and marine exploration.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has twice highlighted the Deep Ocean Mission from the ramparts of the Red Fort on Independence Day.