Consider the following statements:<br/>1. The Global Ocean Commission grants licences for seabed exploration and mining in international waters.<br/>2. India has received licences for seabed mineral exploration in international waters.<br/>3. 'Rare earth minerals' are present on seafloor in international waters.<br/><br/>Which of the statements given above are correct?

1. Incorrect. Licences for seabed exploration/mining in areas beyond national jurisdiction are granted by the International Seabed Authority (ISA) under UNCLOS, not by the Global Ocean Commission.

2. Correct. India has been allotted exploration areas in international waters by the ISA for polymetallic nodules and related seabed minerals.

3. Correct. Seafloor in international waters contains rare earth elements/minerals, especially in deep-sea muds and polymetallic deposits.

Hence, statements 2 and 3 only are correct.