The Indian Ocean is one of the most understudied ocean basins in terms of deep-sea research, despite being home to diverse ecosystems and numerous island and coastal states whose futures are intrinsically tied to the health of these remote environments. Historically, deep-sea exploration in the region has been limited compared to other basins, with most efforts driven by external scientific institutions and constrained by high costs and limited technological access.

In recent years, we have witnessed a surge in international expeditions working in the Indian Ocean, reflecting growing scientific interest and global recognition of the region’s ecological importance. At the same time, global frameworks such as the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development and the BBNJ Agreement have placed increasing emphasis on skills sharing, regional participation, and the need to build and support research capacity in previously underrepresented areas.

  As momentum builds around deep-sea research in the Indian Ocean, this work must be approached collaboratively. This involves placing regional leadership at the forefront, valuing local knowledge systems, and committing to long-term investment in scientific infrastructure and human capacity. Without such measures, there is a risk that research agendas and narratives will continue to be shaped externally, sidelining the voices of countries whose futures are closely tied to these ecosystems.