India Champions Global Ocean Health and Plastic Treaty at UN Ocean Conference 2025
At the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France, India called for urgent global action to safeguard ocean health. Union Minister Jitendra Singh advocated for a legally binding Global Plastics Treaty and swift ratification of the BBNJ (Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction) agreement to protect marine biodiversity, highlighting India’s ongoing efforts in ocean conservation.
India’s Ocean Initiatives and Leadership in Global Governance
Singh outlined India’s progress in ocean sustainability, including the upcoming Deep Ocean Mission’s manned submersible, a nationwide ban on single-use plastics, and over $80 billion worth of Blue Economy projects. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water, emphasizing science, innovation, and inclusive partnerships to reverse ocean degradation. India’s ‘Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar’ campaign, which has removed over 50,000 tonnes of plastic waste from 1,000 km of coastline, was also highlighted as a successful initiative.
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Strengthening Global Collaboration and Climate Resilience
Singh called for a robust ‘Nice Ocean Action Plan,’ urging international investment in innovation and collaborations between governments, the private sector, and civil society. India’s dedication to climate resilience was also evident, with over 10,000 hectares of mangroves restored and the implementation of shoreline management plans using nature-based solutions. Singh stressed the need to ratify the BBNJ Agreement and finalize the plastics treaty, ensuring a sustainable ocean future for all.
India’s proactive stance at the conference signals the country’s growing leadership in marine governance and global efforts to protect the ocean, an essential shared resource.
