India is to explore PMS across a 10,000km² region in the Carlsberg Ridge in the Indian Ocean. With this move, India becomes the first nation globally to enter into two contracts with the ISA for PMS exploration, reported ANI via the Hindustan Times. India’s earlier contract with the ISA covered exploration in the Central and Southwest Indian Ridges. The country currently holds the largest exploration area allotted by the ISA for deep-sea mineral deposits, reported Reuters. Ravichandran added: “This marks India as the first member state and government contractor of ISA to hold two PMS exploration contracts.