UN Ocean Conference 2025

General Studies Paper 2 – Topic: Important International Institutions, Agencies, and their Structure, Mandate

The 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference, co-hosted by France and Costa Rica in Nice, France, in June 2025, marked a pivotal moment in global marine conservation.
Its central aim was to accelerate progress on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14 – Life Below Water, which focuses on the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources.

With over 175 participating countries, including 60 heads of state, the conference adopted the Nice Action Plan, reaffirmed support for the High Seas Treaty (BBNJ), and introduced new funding pledges and conservation targets.

Importance of Oceans in Global Sustainability

• Oceans cover 70% of Earth’s surface.
• Provide oxygen, food, employment, and climate regulation.
• Absorb 25% of CO₂ emissions and 90% of excess heat (UNEP).
• Over 3 billion people depend on marine biodiversity (UN).

However, oceans are under severe stress due to:

• Overfishing: 34% of fish stocks overexploited (FAO).
• Plastic pollution: 11 million tonnes/year (Pew Charitable Trusts).
• Acidification, warming, and sea-level rise.

Key Outcomes of the UN Ocean Conference

1. Nice Action Plan

• A joint political statement to protect marine ecosystems.
• Over 800 voluntary commitments by:
  • Governments
  • UN agencies
  • Research institutions
  • NGOs and civil society
• Focus on:
  • Sustainable Blue Economy
  • Banning harmful subsidies
  • Ending Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing
  • Promoting marine scientific research

2. €8.7 Billion in New Investments

• For marine protection, innovation, and research (2025–2030).
• Public-private collaborations for clean ocean technology and coastal resilience.

3. Expansion of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)

• Global MPA coverage to increase from 8% to over 10%.
• Goal: 30% of oceans protected by 2030 (30×30 target), aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

4. Strengthening the High Seas Treaty (BBNJ)

• Regulates marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction (high seas).
• Provisions for:
  • Access and benefit-sharing of marine genetic resources
  • Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs)
  • Capacity building and marine research
• 50 countries have ratified it so far; 60 needed for it to enter into force.
• India is expected to ratify it by the end of 2025.

Significance of the High Seas Treaty

• Covers two-thirds of ocean areas outside national boundaries.
• Promotes:
  • Equitable access to marine genetic resources
  • Global scientific cooperation
  • Regulation of deep-sea mining and bioprospecting
• A landmark move in marine multilateralism, often termed “Paris Agreement for Oceans.”

Challenges in Ocean Governance

1. Geopolitical Frictions

• US participated only as an observer, showing hesitance toward binding commitments.
• China, Russia, and US have competing interests in deep-sea mining and strategic zones, causing regulatory deadlock.

2. Deep-Sea Mining Controversy

• International Seabed Authority (ISA) is under pressure to allow commercial mining.
• Ecological concerns: destruction of fragile ecosystems and toxic sediment release.
• Call for a moratorium until thorough regulations are established.

3. Funding and Implementation Gaps

• Many Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and developing nations lack resources to meet commitments.
• Need for:
  • Technology transfer
  • Financial aid
  • Capacity building

Broader Dimensions of the Conference

1. Ocean Literacy and Science Diplomacy

• Encouraged:
  • Youth-targeted ocean education
  • Use of AI, drones, remote sensing for marine data
  • Evidence-based policymaking

2. Climate Change Integration

• Emphasis on:
  • Mangrove and coral reef restoration
  • Ocean carbon sequestration
• Oceans are vital to both climate adaptation and mitigation but remain underrepresented in climate dialogues.

3. Equity and Inclusion

• Special attention to:
  • Indigenous coastal communities
  • Gender equity in marine governance
  • Empowering SIDS and Least Developed Countries (LDCs)

India’s Role and Way Forward

India’s Key Commitments

• Strong support for:
  • Blue Economy
  • Marine biodiversity
  • Sustainable fisheries
• Initiatives include:
  • Deep Ocean Mission
  • SAGAR Vision
  • Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM)

What India Should Do

• Fast-track ratification and domestic implementation of the High Seas Treaty.
• Expand MPAs to help meet the 30×30 goal.
• Enforce strict environmental regulations on deep-sea mining projects.
• Collaborate with Global South for:
  • Marine research
  • Technology access
  • Coastal adaptation programs

Conclusion

The UN Ocean Conference 2025 sends a powerful message — oceans are a shared global resource, demanding collective responsibility.
With enhanced political will, science-led policy, and equitable collaboration, the world can realize the vision of SDG 14.
As UN Secretary-General António Guterres aptly said, it’s time to shift from "plunder to protection."

Q1. The 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference, held in 2025, was co-hosted by which of the following countries?
A. India and Japan
B. France and Costa Rica
C. UK and Germany
D. Australia and Brazil

Answer: B. France and Costa Rica

2. List Type

Q2. Which of the following were key objectives/outcomes of the Nice Action Plan adopted at the UN Ocean Conference 2025?

1. Promoting Blue Economy
2. Banning harmful subsidies
3. Supporting unregulated fishing
4. Advancing marine scientific research

Select the correct code:
A. 1, 2 and 4 only
B. 1, 3 and 4 only
C. 2, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: A. 1, 2 and 4 only

3. Assertion-Reason Type

Q3.
Assertion (A): The High Seas Treaty (BBNJ) is often referred to as the "Paris Agreement for Oceans."
Reason (R): It aims to regulate marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdictions and promote equitable access to marine resources.

A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
B. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
C. A is true, but R is false.
D. A is false, but R is true.

Answer: A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.

4. Match the Following Type

Q4. Match the following components with their respective features:

| A. IMEC Corridor | 1. Includes rail, sea, energy pipelines, and green hydrogen
| B. Nice Action Plan | 2. Over 800 voluntary commitments
| C. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) | 3. Goal to protect 30% of oceans by 2030
| D. TTC (Trade & Tech Council) | 4. India-EU strategic technology platform

Options:
A. A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
B. A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3
C. A-3, B-2, C-1, D-4
D. A-4, B-1, C-2, D-3

Answer: A. A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4

5. Simple Type

Q5. Which of the following organizations is under pressure to allow deep-sea mining despite ecological concerns?
A. UNEP
B. UNDP
C. International Seabed Authority (ISA)
D. Global Ocean Alliance

Answer: C. International Seabed Authority (ISA)

6. List Type

Q6. According to the UN Ocean Conference 2025 outcomes, which of the following challenges were highlighted?

1. Geopolitical frictions over maritime governance
2. Underrepresentation of oceans in climate dialogues
3. Easy ratification of High Seas Treaty
4. Funding and technology gaps in developing nations

Select the correct code:
A. 1, 2 and 4 only
B. 1, 3 and 4 only
C. 2, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: A. 1, 2 and 4 only

7. Simple Type

Q7. What percentage of global fish stocks is currently overexploited, as reported during the UN Ocean Conference 2025?
A. 15%
B. 25%
C. 34%
D. 50%

Answer: C. 34%

8. Assertion-Reason Type

Q8.
Assertion (A): The High Seas Treaty has already come into force globally.
Reason (R): It requires ratification by at least 60 countries to enter into force, but only 50 have ratified it so far.

A. A is true, R is false
B. A is false, R is true
C. Both A and R are true
D. Both A and R are false

Answer: B. A is false, R is true

9. Match the Following Type

Q9. Match the ocean-related initiatives with their focus areas:

| A. Deep Ocean Mission | 1. Seabed exploration and documentation
| B. SAGAR Vision | 2. Regional maritime cooperation
| C. Integrated Coastal Management | 3. Resilience and sustainable development of coasts
| D. Erasmus+ | 4. Educational exchange

Options:
A. A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
B. A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3
C. A-3, B-2, C-1, D-4
D. A-4, B-3, C-1, D-2

Answer: A. A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4

10. Simple Type

Q10. The 30×30 target, emphasized at the UN Ocean Conference 2025, refers to:
A. Reducing carbon emissions by 30% by 2030
B. Protecting 30% of oceans by 2030
C. Ensuring 30% economic return on marine trade by 2030
D. Restoring 30% of coral reefs by 2030

Answer: B. Protecting 30% of oceans by 2030

📝 Practice Question (UPSC Mains – GS Paper 2)

Q. Discuss the significance of the UN High Seas Treaty in strengthening global marine governance. What are the key challenges in its implementation? (250 Words)

India-EU Strategic Partnership in a Multipolar World

General Studies Paper 2 – Topic: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements Involving India and/or Affecting India’s Interests

In today’s shifting global power dynamics, the India-European Union (EU) partnership has acquired renewed significance. This collaboration is transitioning from symbolic diplomacy to a genuine strategic alignment, based on shared values, mutual economic interests, and evolving geopolitical needs.
India’s External Affairs Minister’s recent visit to Europe, along with outreach to Cyprus and other European partners, underscores New Delhi’s strategic recalibration toward Europe.

Historical Context and Evolution

• Diplomatic ties since the 1960s, elevated to a Strategic Partnership in 2004.
• Over time, cooperation expanded in trade, climate change, development aid, and multilateral fora.
• Progress has been uneven, hampered by EU’s internal challenges (e.g., Brexit) and India’s concerns over EU regulatory practices and trade imbalances.

Strategic Realignment and Recent Momentum

• Global uncertainties (declining multilateralism, unpredictable US foreign policy under Trump, and Russia’s assertiveness) have pushed India and the EU closer.
• Both envision themselves as independent poles in a multipolar world, committed to a rules-based global order.

Economic Cooperation and the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA)

• FTA revival: After a decade-long hiatus, talks resumed in 2022, with hopes of conclusion by 2025.
• Key negotiation areas:
  • Market access
  • Investment facilitation
  • IPR
  • Rules of origin
  • Sustainable development
• Benefits:
  • EU is India’s third-largest trading partner; India is EU’s 10th.
  • FTA will integrate India with European value chains.
  • Bilateral trade in goods reached €120 billion in 2022, indicating scope for further growth.

Connectivity: India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC)

• Launched during the 2023 G20 Summit, IMEC aims to link India, the Middle East, and Europe.
• Seen as a counterweight to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), promoting transparent and rule-based infrastructure.
• Features:
  • Rail and sea routes
  • Green hydrogen, data connectivity
  • Energy pipelines
• Aligned with EU’s Global Gateway Strategy for clean and resilient infrastructure.

Technology and Innovation Collaboration

• Joint initiatives in:
  • 5G, 6G, Quantum computing, AI, and Semiconductors
• The India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC), established in 2023, fosters collaboration through:
  1. Strategic technology and digital governance
  2. Clean and green energy
  3. Trade and supply chains
• TTC is modeled on the US-EU TTC.

Defence and Security Engagement

• Defence is an emerging area of cooperation.
• Areas of synergy:
  • Joint defence production
  • Indo-Pacific maritime security
  • Cybersecurity and intelligence sharing
• India has participated in:
  • EU’s CRIMARIO II (maritime initiative)
  • Naval exercises like Varuna (France) and Konkan (UK)
• Discussions are ongoing for defence industrial collaboration under PESCO (EU’s Permanent Structured Cooperation).

Geopolitical Challenges

Russia:

• India maintains strategic autonomy and hasn’t condemned Russia over Ukraine, while the EU strongly backs Ukraine.
• Both sides have avoided confrontation, focusing instead on economic and tech cooperation.

Pakistan and Regional Security:

• EU supports India-Pakistan dialogue, while condemning cross-border terrorism.
• In incidents like Pahalgam, the EU has issued carefully worded responses, respecting India's sovereignty.

Shared Values: Democracy and Multilateralism

• Both uphold:
  • Democratic governance
  • Human rights
  • Sustainable development
• Human rights dialogues continue despite occasional disagreements.
• Active collaboration in UN, G20, WTO to reform global institutions to reflect present-day realities.

Climate and Sustainability

• Key players in climate diplomacy.
• EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) concerns India, but negotiations are ongoing.
• India participates in the International Platform on Sustainable Finance.
• Shared focus on:
  • Green hydrogen
  • Solar energy
  • Carbon-neutral technologies

People-to-People Ties and Education

• Student and professional mobility is strong:
  • India is a top recipient of Erasmus+ scholarships.
• Ongoing talks to ease visa regulations for skilled workers.
• Strengthening of:
  • Diaspora ties
  • Cultural diplomacy
  • Parliamentary exchanges

Hedging Against US Uncertainty

• While the US remains a key ally, the Trump era raised doubts about long-term US commitment to global leadership.
• India and the EU are not replacing the US, but building strategic redundancy for future uncertainties.

Conclusion

The India-EU partnership has evolved from the sidelines to becoming a core component of global power balancing in a multipolar world.
As the FTA nears finalization and connectivity projects like IMEC advance, this relationship can serve as a global model for equitable, democratic, and sustainable partnerships in the 21st century.

Q1. When was the India-European Union (EU) relationship elevated to a "Strategic Partnership"?
A. 1991
B. 2000
C. 2004
D. 2010
Answer: C. 2004

2. List Type

Q2. Which of the following are priority areas under the revived India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA)?

1. Market access
2. Investment facilitation
3. Denial of IPR protection
4. Sustainable development

Select the correct code:
A. 1, 2 and 4 only
B. 1, 3 and 4 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: A. 1, 2 and 4 only

3. Assertion-Reason Type

Q3.
Assertion (A): The India-EU FTA negotiations resumed in 2022 after a long pause.
Reason (R): The trade volume between India and the EU had declined sharply post-2020.

A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
B. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
C. A is true, but R is false.
D. A is false, but R is true.

Answer: C. A is true, but R is false.

4. Match the Following Type

Q4. Match the following India-EU initiatives with their features:

| A. IMEC Corridor | 1. Strategic technology & trade governance
| B. TTC (Trade & Tech Council) | 2. Green hydrogen and digital infrastructure
| C. Erasmus+ | 3. Academic and student mobility
| D. PESCO | 4. EU’s defence cooperation mechanism

Options:
A. A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4
B. A-3, B-2, C-1, D-4
C. A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
D. A-2, B-3, C-1, D-4

Answer: A. A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4

5. Simple Type

Q5. Which multilateral initiative aims to foster India-EU cooperation in 5G, AI, and semiconductors?
A. Global Gateway
B. Trade and Technology Council (TTC)
C. Horizon Europe
D. Digital India-EU Framework

Answer: B. Trade and Technology Council (TTC)

6. List Type

Q6. Which of the following statements accurately reflect India's and EU’s climate-related engagements?

1. India has opposed the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).
2. Both support clean energy and sustainable finance platforms.
3. EU has withdrawn all solar-related partnerships with India.
4. Green hydrogen is a shared priority area.

Select the correct code:
A. 1, 2 and 4 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: A. 1, 2 and 4 only

7. Assertion-Reason Type

Q7.
Assertion (A): India and the EU are building alternative strategic alignments to hedge against future uncertainties in US foreign policy.
Reason (R): Both partners are looking to fully replace the US in their foreign policy agendas.

A. Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
B. Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
C. A is true, but R is false.
D. A is false, but R is true.

Answer: C. A is true, but R is false.

8. Match the Following Type

Q8. Match the following defence/security initiatives between India and the EU:

| A. CRIMARIO II | 1. Maritime domain awareness
| B. Varuna Naval Exercise | 2. Indo-French naval cooperation
| C. Konkan Exercise | 3. India-UK maritime drills
| D. PESCO | 4. EU's defence integration framework

Options:
A. A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
B. A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4
C. A-3, B-1, C-2, D-4
D. A-4, B-3, C-2, D-1

Answer: A. A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4

9. Simple Type

Q9. Under which EU initiative does the IMEC corridor align in terms of resilient and sustainable connectivity?
A. Connecting Europe Facility
B. Global Gateway Strategy
C. NextGen EU
D. EU Green Deal

Answer: B. Global Gateway Strategy

10. Simple Type

Q10. Which of the following is not a major area of cooperation under the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC)?
A. Digital governance
B. Green energy
C. Defence procurement
D. Supply chain resilience

Answer: C. Defence procurement

Practice Question (GS-2 Mains)

Q. In a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape, the India-EU strategic partnership offers a platform for promoting a rules-based global order. Discuss the key dimensions of this partnership and suggest a way forward for enhancing bilateral cooperation. (250 Words)