BRICS Cooperation in Ocean and Polar Science & Technology
Prelims:
Environment
& Geography
Mains:
GS Paper II-
regional and global groupings, GS Paper III – Science & Technology
Current relevance:
The Ministry
of Earth Sciences (MoES) organised the 8th Meeting of the BRICS Working
Group on Ocean and Polar Science and Technology (OPST) in Goa from 12–14
August 2026, hosted by the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research
(NCPOR) during India’s BRICS Presidency.
Highlights:
About the BRICS-OPST Working Group:
1.
The BRICS Working Group on Ocean and Polar Science and Technology
(OPST) operates under the framework of Science, Technology and
Innovation (STI) cooperation among BRICS countries.
2.
In India, its activities are undertaken by MoES in coordination with
the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
3.
The 8th meeting was hosted by NCPOR, Goa, during India’s BRICS
Presidency.
4.
Representatives from Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Russia,
South Africa and the United Arab Emirates participated.
5.
The Working Group provides a platform for scientific cooperation,
knowledge exchange, capacity building and collaborative research in ocean
and polar sciences.
Major Areas of Cooperation:
1.
Addressing challenges facing coastal zones, with particular
emphasis on the protection of coastal cities.
2.
Strengthening the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) through
collaborative contributions for robust and resilient ocean information
services.
3.
Promoting joint polar research and more inclusive participation
in Antarctic Expeditions.
4.
Undertaking collaborative polar-ocean biodiversity studies.
5.
Establishing milestones for International Polar Year–5.
6.
Expanding capacity-building opportunities, particularly for young
researchers.
Outcomes and Way Forward:
1.
BRICS countries agreed to collaborate on building coastal resilience
and conducting joint polar-ocean biodiversity research.
2.
Members emphasised joint research initiatives, exchange of scientists
and students, sharing of research infrastructure and stronger institutional
linkages.
3.
During its BRICS Presidency, India will coordinate the finalisation
of the Working Group's roadmap, including an action plan for its short-term
implementation.
4.
The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of BRICS countries to advance ocean
and polar science and technology through collaborative research and
strengthened partnerships.
About National Centre for Polar and Ocean
Research (NCPOR):
1.
NCPOR is an autonomous Research and Development institution
under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Government of India and is
regarded as India’s premier R&D institution for research in the Polar
and Southern Ocean regions.
2.
It was established in 1998 under the then Department of Ocean
Development, which subsequently became the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
3.
Headquarters: NCPOR is located at Headland Sada, Vasco-da-Gama, Goa.
4.
NCPOR serves as the nodal organisation for coordinating and
implementing the Indian Antarctic Programme, including scientific and
associated logistical activities.
5.
It plans, coordinates and implements India's annual scientific
expeditions to the Antarctic, Arctic and Southern Ocean, and facilitates
polar research undertaken by Indian scientific institutions.
6.
The Centre is responsible for the management and maintenance of India’s
Antarctic research stations Maitri and Bharati, as well as the Indian
Arctic research base Himadri.
7.
Its scientific activities include polar and ocean sciences,
geoscientific surveys, deep-sea drilling, gas-hydrate exploration and
exploration of multi-metal sulphides in the ocean.
8.
NCPOR also undertakes geoscientific surveys of India’s Exclusive
Economic Zone (EEZ) and extended continental shelf, contributing to India's
scientific understanding and exploration of marine areas.
Source: PIB - https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2301591®=3&lang=1