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 August 12 to 14, 2026, during India’s BRICS Presidency.
The three-day meeting was hosted by the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) and brought together senior officials, scientists, experts and representatives from Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Russia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates.
The meeting was organised under the framework of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) cooperation among BRICS member countries. Activities of the OPST Working Group are coordinated by the Ministry of Earth Sciences in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
The meeting was inaugurated on August 12 by NCPOR Director Dr Thamban Meloth, while former MoES Secretary and Vice-Chancellor of Atria University, Dr Madhavan Nair Rajeevan, attended as the chief guest.
The meeting was chaired by the Director of NCPOR. The Indian delegation, comprising officials and scientists from MoES and DST, was led by Dr Sandip Kumar Mukhopadhyay, Scientist G and Adviser at the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
Focus on Coastal Resilience and Polar Research
The meeting served as a platform for discussions on scientific cooperation, knowledge-sharing, capacity building and collaborative research in ocean and polar sciences.
Delegates discussed challenges facing coastal zones, with particular emphasis on protecting coastal cities, and explored ways to strengthen the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) through collaborative contributions and the development of robust and resilient ocean information services.
The discussions also focused on joint polar research, inclusive participation in Antarctic expeditions and expanding capacity-building opportunities, particularly for young researchers.
The BRICS countries agreed to pursue collaborative initiatives to strengthen coastal resilience, undertake joint studies on polar and ocean biodiversity, establish milestones for International Polar Year-5 and promote capacity building for young scientists and researchers.
During its BRICS Presidency, India will coordinate the finalisation of an ongoing roadmap for the OPST Working Group, including an action plan for its short-term implementation.
Secretary Calls for Concrete Collaborative Action
Addressing the concluding session virtually, MoES Secretary Dr T. Srinivasa Kumar Tummala appreciated the delegates for the deliberations and outcomes of the three-day meeting.
He said the meeting had provided a valuable platform for strengthening scientific cooperation among BRICS countries in ocean and polar sciences.
The secretary noted the consensus reached on key priority areas and urged member countries to translate the meeting’s outcomes into concrete collaborative action. These could include joint research initiatives, exchanges of scientists and students, sharing of research infrastructure and stronger institutional linkages.
Tummala expressed confidence that the recommendations and outcomes of the meeting would further strengthen BRICS cooperation in ocean and polar science and technology.
The meeting concluded with participating countries reaffirming their commitment to advancing ocean and polar science and technology through enhanced collaboration and stronger partnerships.
