August 09, 2026 08:31 pm (IST)
Follow us:
Centre approves acquisition of a polar research vessel
New Delhi, Oct 29 (IBNS): The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday approved the acquisition of Polar Research Vessel (Ice-breaker, Research cum Supply Vessel) by the Ministry of Earth Sciences at a total cost of Rs. 1051.13 crore within a period of 34 months.
The Ministry of Earth Sciences felt necessary to have the country`s own polar research vessel considering the need to sustain two Indian research bases in Antarctica (Maitri and Bharti); dovetailing research initiatives in the Southern Ocean domain with those in the proximal regions of the Antarctic continent; widen the thrust on Arctic research disciplines undertaken through Indian Station Himadri, and to provide a suitable research platform for other tropical sea programmes.
Such a vessel, it is envisaged, can not only perform dual functions, research and logistics, in the polar region but can also serve as a research platform for scientists to undertake scientific research in the ocean realm including the Southern Ocean.
In the context of India having expanded its scientific presence to the Arctic as well and the country`s growing strategic interests in the polar and ocean domain, a polar research vessel would certainly serve as the perfect vehicle for building up on India’s sustained presence and increased visibility in the ocean sector.
Indian Antarctic expeditions have been undertaken every year on-board ice-class vessels/ice-breakers chartered from the international market.
Now with the acquisition of own Polar Research Vessel, the cost expedition and research is expected to come down.
These vessels have largely been cargo ships capable of transporting men and material and unable to serve as a research platform.
With increased demand for cargo vessels and their dwindling availability, the charter charges of these vessels have been escalating over the years.
It may be noted here that the First Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica was launched in 1981.
From 2004, India embarked on its scientific endeavors in the Southern Ocean realm. In addition, since 2007, Indian scientists have had a sustained presence in the Arctic.
With India`s entry into the Arctic Council as an Observer along with China, Singapore, Japan and South Korea, it has become strategically important to have increased visibility in the Arctic too.
This will facilitate India to assume a lead role among Asian nations active in the polar regions.
Support Our Journalism
We cannot do without you.. your contribution supports unbiased journalism
IBNS is not driven by any ism- not wokeism, not racism, not skewed secularism, not hyper right-wing or left liberal ideals, nor by any hardline religious beliefs or hyper nationalism. We want to serve you good old objective news, as they are. We do not judge or preach. We let people decide for themselves. We only try to present factual and well-sourced news.
Support objective journalism for a small contribution.
Latest Headlines
24 hours after historic launch, Skyroot makes a bold claim about Vikram-1's success
Sun, Jul 19 2026
Mission Aagaman takes off: India's first private orbital rocket Vikram-1 makes history
Sat, Jul 18 2026
Breakthrough alert: Indians scientists develop ultra-efficient thermal battery for clean energy storage
Fri, May 22 2026
You may not live 50 years: Nobel winner David Gross issues stark nuclear war warning
Tue, Apr 21 2026