India--- International Programmes

International Programmes

Law of the Sea

The Department of Ocean Development is the nodal agency for implementation of the provisions of United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea (External website that opens in a new window)(UNCLOS), in India. UNCLOS is an important instrument, which establishes the framework and mechanisms for management of oceans. India ratified the Convention in June 1995. With coming into force of United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea, the institutions such as International Seabed Authority (ISBA) and Commission on the Limits of Continental Shelf (CLCS) came into existence. India has been re-elected in the Commission on the Limits of Continental Shelf for the second term for a period of 5 years in the year 2002. India is elected on all the institutions established under United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea. viz. International Seabed Authority(External website that opens in a new window), Commission on Limits of Continental Shelf and International Tribunal on Law of the Sea. India regularly participates in the meetings of ISBA, CLCS and also in the meeting of States Parties on Law of the Sea (SPLOS) and continues to play the key role in decision making in matters on Law of the Sea.

Delineation of Outer Limits of Continental Shelf

According to the provisions of United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the coastal State that intends to delineate the outer limits of the continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles is required to submit particulars of such limits along with the supporting scientific and technical data. The UNCLOS came into force in November 1994 and India ratified it in June 1995. If delineation is properly undertaken, India would be in a position to gain substantial area beyond the EEZ. It is required to be submitted by May 2009 and would be examined by the Commission on the Limits of Continental Shelf(External website that opens in a new window)(CLCS). The National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research (NCAOR) at Goa, an autonomous body under the DOD, is coordinating this national endeavour with active co-operation and participation of all national institutions.

Inter-governmental Oceanographic Commission

Established in 1960 under UNESCO, the Inter-governmental Oceanographic Commission(External website that opens in a new window) (IOC) is promoting global co-operation in marine scientific investigations, ocean services and capacity building in developing countries through the concerted efforts of all the 127 member states. India through its continued participation in IOGOOS, is contributing to the growth of oceanographic research and services.

COMNAP/SCALOP/ATCM Meetings

After becoming a member of the Antarctic Treaty, India continues to participate in the meeting of the Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programme(External website that opens in a new window) (COMNAP) and Standing Committee of Antarctic and Logistic Operations (SCALOP), Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) and Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (External website that opens in a new window)(CCAMLR).

Bilateral Programmes

India signed bilateral agreements with several countries including Russia, China, Portugal and Mauritius in last 5 years and has successfully implemented collaborative programmes in Myanmar, Mauritius, and Seychelles in the field of Ocean Science and Technology. India organised 5 days training programme for Sri Lanka and Myanmar on Delineation of Outer Limits of Continental Shelf at NCAOR, Goa.

Source: National Portal Content Management Team