India to Send Human into Deep Sea as Part of Ambitious "Deep Sea Mission" in 2026

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): India is preparing to send a human into the deep sea as part of its ambitious "Deep Sea Mission," Union Minister Jitendra Singh announced on Thursday. This mission is slated to coincide with the country’s first human space mission, both scheduled for early 2026. Speaking at an event marking the 20th anniversary of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami at the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), Singh emphasized India's progress in scientific exploration. He also referenced Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s earlier mention of the Deep Sea Mission in his Independence Day speech, underscoring its significance in enhancing India’s oceanic research and technological innovation.

Singh highlighted the unusual coincidence of sending a human into space and another into the deep sea, saying, "It would be a strange coincidence—one human in space and another in the deep sea. This will happen almost simultaneously." He revealed that the human space mission, originally set for 2025, has now been rescheduled to align with the Deep Sea Mission in early 2026, marking a historic milestone for India’s scientific achievements. The Union Minister further stressed the importance of sustainable exploration and conservation of India’s vast 7,500-kilometer coastline and its rich marine resources. He noted that the government is actively working to create an ecosystem that supports these efforts. Singh also commended INCOIS for providing crucial services not only to India’s coastal communities but also to people around the globe.

He praised the state-of-the-art facility, emphasizing its contribution to both the development of a "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India) and India’s significant role on the global stage. Reflecting on the lessons learned from the 2004 Tsunami, Singh noted how the tragedy led to the creation of institutions like INCOIS, which now stands as a symbol of India’s commitment to protecting lives and livelihoods. An official release from 2023 stated that as part of the Samudrayaan Mission, led by the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences, India plans to send three individuals 6,000 meters below sea level for exploration.