Union Minister of Earth Sciences (Independent Charge) Dr Jitendra Singh today left for France to lead a high-level Indian delegation at the International Meet on Oceans.

Scheduled to be held at the French picturesque coastal city of Nice, the “United Nations Ocean Conference” (UNOC3) is taking place from June 8 to 13.

The high-level international gathering will bring together leaders, scientists, policymakers, and civil society actors from across the globe to discuss sustainable ocean governance and concrete actions for the health of the world’s oceans.

Earth Sciences Minister’s visit to France marks a significant step by the Govt of India as it would reiterate Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to India’s global engagement on ocean sustainability and marine cooperation.

Over the next four days, he will participate in bilateral meetings with Ministers from key partner countries, deliver India’s national statement at the UNOC plenary and engage in crucial policy dialogues on ocean action.

Among the key highlights of his schedule is the India-Norway side event on Marine Spatial Planning aboard the Norwegian research vessel S/S Statsraad Lehmkuhl at Monaco Harbour on June 8. Co-hosted with Norway’s Minister of International Development, H.E. Åsmund Grøver Aukrust, the event will showcase the outcomes of the India-Norway collaboration on sustainable marine governance. His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon of Norway is expected to grace the event as Guest of Honour.

In addition to the formal sessions of the Conference, Dr. Jitendra Singh is slated to hold bilateral meetings with representatives from France, Germany, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Chile, among others. These meetings are expected to strengthen India’s cooperation with key global players on issues ranging from marine pollution to ocean science and financing for blue economy initiatives.

The third edition of the UN Ocean Conference — co-hosted by France and Costa Rica — will focus on key themes such as restoring marine ecosystems, reducing marine pollution, promoting ocean-based scientific cooperation, and mobilizing resources for the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans, seas, and marine resources, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 14. The conference will feature “Ocean Action Panels” involving governments, UN bodies, researchers, industry leaders, and NGOs to forge partnerships and propose practical, scalable solutions.

India has actively contributed to the build-up to UNOC3. In the lead-up to the conference, the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) organized two Blue Talks in collaboration with the Embassies of France and Costa Rica in New Delhi. These sessions brought together scientists, officials, and stakeholders from multiple sectors to share best practices and develop concrete recommendations on marine governance and conservation.

During the general debate at UNOC3, Dr. Jitendra Singh will articulate India’s stance on ocean policy, highlighting the country’s initiatives in marine research, coastal resilience, and regional cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. India has also sought speaking slots in critical thematic panels, including those on marine pollution and scientific cooperation.

Dr. Jitendra Singh’s presence at the global forum reinforces India’s commitment to multilateral cooperation for sustainable ocean use and signals New Delhi’s proactive approach in contributing to global ocean policy frameworks. With oceans playing a central role in climate regulation, food security, and economic development, India’s engagement at UNOC3 aims to position the country as a constructive and solutions-oriented partner in global marine governance.

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NKR/PSM

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