In a significant stride toward enhancing India’s global presence in ocean science and climate strategy, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated two state-of-the-art facilities — Sagar Bhavan and Polar Bhavan — at the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) in Goa. These first-of-their-kind structures in India, unveiled during NCPOR’s Silver Jubilee celebrations, mark a pivotal moment in the country’s scientific journey, aligning with global shifts in ocean geopolitics. Dr. Singh highlighted the urgent need to monitor polar ice melt, citing its potential impact on India’s over 1,000 km of vulnerable coastline. He expressed confidence that NCPOR, with its expanded capabilities, will play a vital role in advancing India’s strategic and scientific stake in ocean affairs. The new infrastructure is designed to support cutting-edge research, featuring high-tech labs for climate, ice core, and sediment studies, as well as advanced visualization tools like the “Science On Sphere” (SOS) platform. Polar Bhavan, the largest building on the NCPOR campus, will also house India’s first Polar and Ocean Museum. These developments, coupled with India’s growing Arctic and Antarctic engagement under the 2022 Arctic Policy and Indian Antarctic Act, reflect a robust framework for science-led diplomacy. Dr. Singh emphasized that this initiative aligns with Prime Minister Modi’s vision for a “Viksit Bharat by 2047” and the national focus on the Blue Economy. With ongoing missions across the Arctic, Antarctic, and deep oceans, India is positioning itself as a leader in climate science, environmental stewardship, and global ocean governance.
