EnvironmentGS3-Environment And Biodiversity
India Unlikely to Ratify 'High Seas Treaty' at U.N. Conference
India is unlikely to ratify the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement, also known as the 'High Seas Treaty,' at the UN Ocean Conference.
June 12, 2025
Key Points
- 1India is unlikely to ratify the BBNJ agreement at the ongoing United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France.
- 2India signed the agreement in September 2024, but formal ratification is pending and requires amendments to certain laws, including the Biological Diversity Act.
- 3As of June 10, 49 countries have ratified the treaty; it enters into force after 60 ratifications.
- 4Union Minister Jitendra Singh stated India is in the process of ratifying the treaty.
- 5India launched the 'SAHAV' digital ocean data portal at the conference and reiterated its call for a legally binding Global Plastics Treaty.
- 6The conference continues until June 13.
Important Terms
High Seas TreatyBBNJJitendra SinghUN Ocean ConferenceSAHAV
UPSC Current Affairs
Last Updated: 7/21/2025