The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) organized the 8th Meeting of the BRICS Working Group on Ocean and Polar Science and Technology (OPST) in Goa from August 12-14, 2026, during India's BRICS Presidency. The meeting was hosted by the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) and conducted in coordination with the Department of Science and Technology (DST) under the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) cooperation framework.
Delegations from eight countries participated: Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Russia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates. The Indian delegation was headed by Dr. Sandip Kumar Mukhopadhyay, Scientist G & Advisor at MoES, and included officials and scientists from both MoES and DST. The meeting was inaugurated by Dr. Thamban Meloth, Director of NCPOR, with Dr. Madhavan Nair Rajeevan, Vice Chancellor of Atria University and former Secretary of MoES, serving as Chief Guest.
The working group meeting focused on scientific cooperation, knowledge exchange, capacity building, and development of collaborative research activities in ocean and polar research. Key discussion areas included challenges facing coastal zones with special emphasis on protection of coastal cities, strengthening the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) through collaborative contributions for developing robust ocean information services, development of joint polar research and inclusive participation in Antarctic expeditions, and enhanced opportunities for capacity building particularly for young researchers.
Delegations agreed on several collaborative initiatives: building coastal resilience, conducting joint polar ocean biodiversity studies, setting milestones for International Polar Year – 5, and promoting capacity building for young researchers. During India's BRICS Presidency, the country will coordinate the finalization of a roadmap for the Working Group including an action plan for short-term implementation.
Dr. T. Srinivasa Kumar Tummala, Secretary of MoES, addressed the concluding session virtually, expressing appreciation for the fruitful deliberations and outcomes. He encouraged member countries to translate the meeting outcomes into concrete collaborative actions including joint research initiatives, exchange of scientists and students, sharing of research infrastructure, and strengthening institutional linkages. The meeting concluded with reaffirmed commitment to advancing ocean and polar science through collaborative efforts.