India Seeks Legally Binding Global Plastics Treaty, Backs Swift Ratification Of BBNJ Pact At UN Ocean Conference

India has called for urgent global action on ocean health at the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in France's Nice, with Union Minister Jitendra Singh pushing for global ocean pact, Earth Sciences Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday (10 June).

Addressing the conference, which is co-hosted by France and Costa Rica under the theme “Accelerating Action and Mobilizing All Actors to Conserve and Sustainably Use the Ocean", Singh highlighted India's progress on the Deep Ocean Mission’s upcoming manned submersible, a nationwide single-use plastic ban, and over $80 billion worth of Blue Economy projects.

Singh also reaffirmed India’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water.

He outlined how India’s initiatives are aimed at reversing ocean degradation through science, innovation, and inclusive partnerships.

India also backed the swift ratification of the BBNJ Agreement, advocated for a legally binding Global Plastics Treaty, and launched the ‘SAHAV’ digital ocean data portal, underscoring its growing leadership in global marine governance.

The BBNJ Agreement refers to the Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction agreement—a landmark UN treaty focused on conserving and sustainably using marine biodiversity in areas beyond the limits of national jurisdictions, i.e., the high seas.

On marine pollution, the minister pointed to tangible outcomes from India's ‘Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar’ campaign, which has cleaned over 1,000 km of India’s coastline and removed more than 50,000 tonnes of plastic waste since 2022.

India has also prepared the draft marine litter policy and continues to support negotiations on a Global Plastics Treaty aimed at a legally binding international framework.

Emphasising climate resilience, Singh noted the restoration of over 10,000 hectares of mangroves and the implementation of shoreline management plans using nature-based solutions.

India has also integrated ocean-based climate actions into its Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement.

Calling for a robust ‘Nice Ocean Action Plan’, Singh urged the international community to invest in innovation, ratify the BBNJ Agreement, and finalise the plastics treaty.

“The ocean is our shared heritage and responsibility,” he said, expressing India’s readiness to work with all stakeholders—governments, private sector, civil society, and indigenous communities—to ensure a sustainable ocean future.

Also Read: India To Roll Out Ultra High Voltage AC Power Transmission System With Rs 53,000 Crore Investment