Context: Recently, three underwater structures in the Indian Ocean were named as Ashoka, Chandragupt, and Kalpataru, which reflect India's growing influence in marine science and its commitment to exploring and understanding the Indian Ocean.

• This naming was proposed by India and approved by the International Hydrographic

• Organisation (IHO) and UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC).

• These structures are located along Southwest Indian Ridge. 

• They were discovered by National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research.

Total Structures

• Seven structures, including the recently added ones in the Indian Ocean, are now named primarily after Indian scientists or based on names proposed by India.

Previously Named Structures

• Raman Ridge (accepted in 1992): It was discovered in 1951 by a US oil vessel. It was named after Physicist and Nobel Laureate Sir CV Raman.

• Panikkar Seamount (accepted in 1993): It was discovered in 1992 by India research vessel  Sagar Kanya. It is named after NK Panikkar, a renowned oceanographer.

• Sagar Kanya Seamount (accepted in 1991): For its successful 22nd cruise in 1986 leading to its discovery, a seamount was named after the research vessel Sagar Kanya itself.

• DN Wadia Guyot: It was named after geologist DN Wadia in 1993 when an underwater volcanic mountain (guyot), was discovered in 1992 by Sagar Kanya.

Recently Named Structures

• Ashoka Seamount: It was discovered in 2012. It is in an oval-shaped structure spanning approximately 180 sq km and was identified using the Russian vessel Akademik Nikolay Strakhov.

• Kalpataru Ridge: It was discovered in 2012. This elongated ridge covers an area of 430 sq km and may play a critical role in supporting marine biodiversity.

• Experts believe that this ridge could have provided essential support for marine life by offering habitat shelter and food sources for various species.

• Chandragupt Ridge: This ridge is an elongated structure covering 675 sq km. It was identified in 2020 by the Indian research vessel MGS Sagar.

Naming of Undersea Feature 
Outside Territorial Sea: 

• Individuals and agencies can propose names for unnamed features, following IHO’s 2013 guidelines ‘‘Standardization of Undersea Feature Name”. 

• Before naming of a feature, its character, extent, and position must be identified. 

• Proposals are reviewed by IHO Sub-Committee on Undersea Feature Names (SCUFN).

• Within Territorial Sea: National authorities naming features in their territorial sea should adhere to the same 2013 IHO guidelines. 

About IHO and IOC

• International Hydrographic Organization (IHO)

• Established in 1921. 

• An intergovernmental body (India a member). 

• Enjoys observer status at the UN. 

• Recognized as competent international authority regarding hydrography and nautical charting.

Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC)

• Established in 1961. 

• Promotes international cooperation in marine sciences.

• GEBCO: General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans (GEBCO) is an IHO & IOC UNESCO joint project to collect bathymetric data and map the oceans

• GEBCO -SCUFN maintains and makes available a digital gazetteer of the names, generic feature types, etc.