India is set to sign UN High Seas Treaty

India's Cabinet has approved the initiative of the concerned ministry to sign the High Seas Treaty, which is part of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the Ministry of Earth Sciences said.

The agreement will enable India to strengthen its strategic presence in areas outside the country's EEZ (exclusive economic zone).

"This landmark decision marks a significant step towards the conservation and sustainable utilisation of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. Often referred to as the ‘High Seas’, areas beyond national jurisdiction are the global common oceans open to all for internationally lawful purposes such as navigation, overflight, laying submarine cables and pipelines," the Ministry said in an official statement.

Jitendra Singh, Head of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, said India remains committed to global environmental protection and sustainable development. This is reported by IANS, a partner of TV BRICS.

The High Seas Treaty is an international agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Parties to the agreement cannot claim sovereign rights over resources extracted on the high seas. They must also ensure that benefits are shared equitably.