Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) organized the 8th Meeting of the BRICS Working Group on Ocean Polar Science and Technology (OPST) at Goa, hosted by the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) from 12–14 August 2026 during India’s BRICS Presidency. Since the establishment of the BRICS OPST Working Group, the activities are conducted by MoES in coordination with the Department Science and Technology (DST), Govt. of India under the framework of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) cooperation activities among BRICS member countries. The meeting brought together senior officials, scientists, experts, and representatives from Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Russia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates to deliberate on areas of mutual interest and further strengthen cooperation in ocean and polar science and technology. The meeting was inaugurated on 12^th August by Dr. Thamban Meloth, Director, NCPOR and Dr. Madhavan Nair Rajeevan, VC Atria University and former Secretary of MoES graced as Chief Guest. The 3 days long event was Chaired by Director, NCPOR, Goa and attended by the delegations from BRICS member countries. The Indian delegation was constituted of officials and scientists from MoES, DST, and headed by Dr. Sandip Kumar Mukhopadhyay, Scientist G & Advisor, MoES.

This working group meeting acted as a platform for deliberations and discussions on scientific cooperation, exchange of knowledge, capacity building and development of collaborative research activities among BRICS member countries in the field of Ocean and Polar research. The deliberations were focused on the issues and opportunities of BRICS countries like challenges of the costal zones with special emphasis on protection of coastal cities; strengthening the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) through collaborative contribution for the development of robust and resilient ocean information services; development of joint polar research and inclusive participation in the Antarctic Expedition; enhanced opportunities for capacity building in particular for young researchers. During the meeting the delegations of BRICS countries jointly agreed for collaborative initiative in building up coastal resilience, carrying out joint polar ocean biodiversity study, setting milestones for International Polar Year – 5 and promoting capacity building of young researchers. During BRICS Presidency India will coordinate for finalisation of the ongoing work on the development of roadmap for the Working Group including the action plan for its short-term implementation.

Addressing the concluding session of the 8th Meeting of the BRICS-OPST through virtual mode, Dr. T. Srinivasa Kumar Tummala, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Government of India, expressed his appreciation to the delegates from BRICS member countries for the fruitful deliberations and outcomes of the three-day meeting held in Goa. He noted that the meeting had provided a valuable platform for strengthening scientific cooperation in ocean and polar sciences. The Secretary expressed satisfaction over the consensus reached on key priority areas and encouraged member countries to translate the outcomes of the meeting into concrete collaborative actions, including joint research initiatives, exchange of scientists and students, sharing of research infrastructure, and strengthening institutional linkages. He expressed his confidence that the recommendations and outcomes of the meeting would further strengthen BRICS cooperation in ocean and polar science and technology. The meeting ended reaffirming the commitment of BRICS countries to advancing ocean and polar science and technology through collaborative efforts and strengthened partnerships.  

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NKR/JKP