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**Summary:**

India is unlikely to ratify the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement, also known as the ‘High Seas Treaty’, at the ongoing United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France. While India signed the agreement in September 2024, it needs to amend domestic laws like the Biological Diversity Act first. Ratification is expected to be considered after the Monsoon Session of Parliament. A key point of contention is the equitable sharing of resources from the high seas. Despite the delayed ratification, India is actively participating in the UN Ocean Conference, showcasing its Samudrayaan submersible project, highlighting its efforts to combat plastic pollution, advocating for a Global Plastics Treaty, and launching the ‘SAHAV’ digital ocean data portal.

**News Article:**

**India Signals Delay in Ratifying High Seas Treaty Despite Active Role in UN Ocean Conference**

**NICE, FRANCE –** India is unlikely to ratify the landmark Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement, commonly known as the ‘High Seas Treaty,’ during the current United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) taking place in Nice, France. Sources confirmed to The Hindu that while India signed the treaty in September 2024, ratification is being held up by the need to amend domestic legislation, including the Biological Diversity Act.

“This will probably be taken up after the Monsoon Session (July 12–August 12) and needs to be passed in Parliament. There are other issues that also need to be sorted out,” a source familiar with the negotiations told The Hindu.

The BBNJ treaty aims to protect marine biodiversity in international waters, which lie beyond the exclusive economic zones of individual nations. A major sticking point for many countries, including India, has been establishing a fair mechanism for sharing potential economic benefits derived from resources in these areas.

Despite the ratification delay, India is actively participating in the UN Ocean Conference. Minister of Science and Technology Jitendra Singh, representing India, highlighted the country’s progress on its ambitious Samudrayaan manned submersible mission, designed to reach ocean depths of up to 6,000 meters. The trial dive is planned for 2026.

Dr. Singh also emphasized India’s commitment to combating plastic pollution, referencing the nationwide ban on single-use plastics and the over $80 billion invested in the Blue Economy. India reiterated its call for a legally binding Global Plastics Treaty and launched the ‘SAHAV’ digital ocean data portal at the conference, demonstrating its growing leadership in global marine conservation efforts.

The UN Ocean Conference, co-hosted by France and Costa Rica under the theme “Accelerating Action and Mobilizing All Actors to Conserve and Sustainably Use the Ocean,” continues until June 13. To date, 49 countries have ratified the BBNJ Treaty. It requires 60 ratifications to enter into force.

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