8th BRICS Working Group Meeting on Ocean and Polar Science - 12th August 2026 - Ministry of Earth Sciences - Gazette Notification PDF
Issued by Ministry of Earth Sciences
Read or download the official PDF of this gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Earth Sciences on 12th August 2026. Classified under Press Release.
Executive Summary & Key Takeaways
Executive Summary The 8th Meeting of the BRICS Working Group on Ocean and Polar Science and Technology (OPST) is being held in Goa, India, from August 12 to 14, 2026. Hosted by the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) under India’s BRICS Presidency, the meeting facilitates cooperation in ocean and polar sciences among eight member nations. The primary goal is to discuss bilateral and multilateral research proposals while strengthening scientific partnerships focused on resilience, sustainability, and innovation.
Key Points / Main Content
Meeting Logistics and Participation
- The event is hosted by NCPOR under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) and chaired by Dr. Thamban Meloth.
- Participants include scientists, experts, and officials from Brazil, China, Egypt, Indonesia, Russia, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, and India.
- The inauguration featured a keynote address on “India’s Blue Economy Initiatives” by Dr. M. Rajeevan.
Strategic Objectives
- Evaluation of proposals for bilateral, trilateral, and multilateral cooperation in ocean exploration and polar studies.
- Emphasis on joint research projects, capacity building, scientific exchanges, and the shared use of research infrastructure.
- Promotion of practical collaboration with a focus on innovation and scientific partnership to address common interests.
Historical and Institutional Context
- The BRICS OPST Working Group was established in 2018 to foster scientific cooperation and knowledge exchange.
- This marks the eighth meeting of the group, with India having previously hosted the third meeting in 2020.
Impact Analysis
BRICS Member Countries Impact Member nations benefit from a formal framework for strengthening scientific ties and sharing expensive research infrastructure. Action Required Representatives must discuss and align on proposals for future activities and areas of common scientific interest.
Scientists and Researchers Impact Individual experts gain opportunities for international scientific exchange, collaborative research, and professional capacity building. Action Required Participants must present ongoing national programs and identify opportunities for future cooperation during the three-day session.
National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) / Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) Impact As the host and chair for 2026, these Indian institutions lead the strategic direction of BRICS cooperation in ocean and polar studies. Action Required NCPOR must facilitate the meeting proceedings and manage the coordination of the Working Group’s initiatives throughout the 2026 term.