India seeks strategic ties with Sri Lanka for access to cobalt-rich seamount, amid overlapping claims on extended continental shelves.
India is pursuing strategic ties with Sri Lanka to gain access to the cobalt-rich Afanasy Nikitin Seamount in the Indian Ocean, while also operating a $6m Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in the country. India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's recent visit to Colombo highlights the country's interest in the area, as cobalt is an essential mineral in rechargeable batteries, vital for the global transition to electric vehicles. Sri Lanka's request to extend its continental shelf beyond the exclusive economic zone faces challenges due to overlapping claims made by India.
July 08, 2024
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