India has submitted an extended continental shelf claim in the Arabian Sea.
The claim extends by about 10,000 square km beyond the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Submitted to the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS).
Aimed at gaining sovereign rights for resource exploration (minerals, oil, gas) beyond 200 nautical miles.
Legal Basis – UNCLOS:
As per United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS):
Nations can claim continental shelf up to 200 nautical miles from their baselines (automatically).
Extension possible up to 350 nautical miles based on scientific and hydrographic data.
Requires submission and approval by CLCS.
Strategic Importance:
Enhances India’s energy security and maritime influence.
Strengthens India’s Blue Economy goals.
Important for scientific exploration and geopolitical presence in the Indian Ocean Region.
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