NRSC (ISRO)
National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) has the mandate for establishment of ground stations for receiving satellite data, generation of data products, dissemination to the users, development of techniques for remote sensing applications including disaster management support, geospatial services for good governance and capacity building for professionals, faculty and students. In the realm of polar research, NRSC plays a pivotal role by leveraging satellite remote sensing technologies to study and monitor the Earth's polar regions.Establishment of the Antarctica Ground Station for Earth Observation Satellites (AGEOS) at India's Bharati research station in Antarctica is one of the most important roles they played.
National Centre for Coastal Research
In 1997, the Government of India implemented the Environment Management Capacity Building (EMCB) programme for a period of five years, funded by the International Development Association through the World Bank. The Department of Ocean Development (DOD) established a Project Directorate i.e., Integrated Coastal and Marine Area Management (ICMAM), at Chennai in January,1998 with the approval of Cabinet Committee on Economic.While primarily focused on coastal and marine studies, NCCR's expertise extends to polar research, particularly concerning the impact of microplastics in the Arctic Ocean., NCCR contributes to a broader understanding of environmental issues that transcend regional boundaries, reinforcing India's commitment to global scientific collaboration and sustainable environmental practices.
Royal Norwegian Embassy
The Embassy of Norway in New Delhi is responsible for the Norwegian Honorary Consulates in Kolkata and Chennai. The Embassy is also responsible for Bhutan and the Maldives. Norway's Foreign Mission in India also includes the Consulate General in Mumbai.Ties between Norway and India have deep historical roots.In recent years, Norway has significantly strengthened its presence in India.In 2024, the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) and the Norwegian Polar Institute (NPI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance cooperation in polar science, focusing on shared research platforms and scientific exchanges.These joint endeavors not only advance scientific understanding of polar regions but also inform global climate policy, underscoring the significance of India-Norway cooperation in addressing climate change challenges.
Embassy of Finland
Finland established diplomatic relations with India in 1949, after the country had gained independence in 1947. In recent years, the consolidation of the political and economic cooperation between the countries has been reflected in an increase in joint initiatives and the active exchange of delegations.A notable area of collaboration is polar research, where both nations have shown a shared commitment to understanding and addressing the challenges of climate change. India, as an Observer State in the Arctic Council since 2013, has engaged in scientific research in the Arctic, aligning with Finland's emphasis on environmental protection and sustainable development in the region. Through these collaborative efforts, the Embassy facilitates a dynamic and evolving relationship that contributes to global understanding of polar environments and the impacts of climate change.
Norinco
Established in 1942, Norinco is a multi-faceted organization committed to providing holistic solutions to partners, customers and stakeholders. Established in 1942, Norinco has grown to service a range of business verticals such as Marine Equipment, Oceanographic Research & Equipment, Steel and Hydrogen. The only company in India certified exclusively for Annual Maintenance Contract for Marine Scientific Research Equipment under ISO 9001-2015. They offer oceanography research institutes cost-effective annual maintenance services onboard their research vessels, including maintenance and operation of research and auxiliary equipment.
DRDO
Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) under the Department of Defence Research & Development (DD R&D) of Ministry of Defence, Govt of India, with a vision to empower India with cutting-edge defence technologies and a mission to achieve self-reliance in critical defence technologies and systems, while equipping our armed forces with state-of-the-art weapon systems and equipment in accordance with requirements laid down by the three Services. DRDO's pursuit of self-reliance and successful indigenous development and production of strategic systems and platforms such as Agni and Prithvi series of missiles; light combat aircraft, Tejas; multi-barrel rocket launcher, Pinaka; air defence system, Akash; a wide range of radars and electronic warfare systems; etc., have given quantum jump to India's military might, generating effective deterrence and providing crucial leverage.
NIOT
NIOT is an autonomous organisation under MoES, Govt. of India. It has been playing a pivotal role in developing reliable indigenous technologies with applications focussed on the sustainable utilisation of oceanic resources, especially in the context of the Deep Ocean Mission. Its technologies in the domain of deep sea, energy and freshwater, ocean observations, coastal environmental engineering and marine biotechnology have been outstanding.
MoES
The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), formerly known as Department of Ocean Development (DOD) was established in 1981 with the mandate to create a deeper understanding of the oceanic regime of the northern and central Indian Ocean and also develop technology and technological aids for harnessing of resources and understanding of various physical, chemical and biological processes in the icy realms of Arctic and Antarctic. In 2006 India Meteorological Department (IMD), established in 1876 to provide meteorological service to the country, was integrated with MoES by bringing meteorological agencies and ocean development department under one umbrella considering the importance of ocean atmospheric interfaces. The MoES, aims at looking at the planet in a holistic way in as much as understanding of interplay of earth dynamics and systems phenomenon
Embassy of Iceland
The Embassy's mission is to strengthen and promote political, economic and cultural relations between Iceland and these countries. The Embassy of Iceland in New Delhi was formally opened in 2006.In the realm of polar research, the Embassy actively promotes cooperation between Indian institutions and Icelandic entities. Ambassador Guðni Bragason's visit to India's National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) in Goa underscored mutual interests in Arctic studies, including discussions on India's Arctic policy and participation in the Arctic Circle Assembly in Reykjavík.Through these multifaceted initiatives, the Embassy of Iceland in India plays a pivotal role in advancing bilateral relations, with a shared focus on environmental sustainability and polar research collaboration
INCOIS
ESSO-INCOIS was established as an autonomous body in 1999 under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) and is a unit of the Earth System Science Organisation (ESSO). ESSO INCOIS is mandated to provide the best possible ocean information and advisory services to society, industry, Science & Geopolitics of Himalaya-Arctic-Antarctic 71 government agencies and the scientific community through sustained ocean observations and constant improvements through systematic and focussed research.
GSI
The Geological Survey of India (GSI), the second oldest survey in the country was established in I85l with the singular aim to locate coal for the railways. GSI over the years has expanded its role to undertake elucidation of the geological set up of the country, including assessment and regional level exploration for coal and other mineral resources, inputs to engineering projects, geotechnical studies, geo-environment and natural hazards, glaciology, seismotectonics etc. GSI is the prime provider of basic earth science information to the government, industry and the general public, as well as a responsive participant in international geoscientific fora. The vibrant steel, coal, metals, cement and power industries which expanded phenomenally in the post-independence era, bear eloquent testimony to the GSI’s relevance in the national context.
IITM
IITM is an autonomous organisation under MoES.In the initial years, along with the IMD, the Institute functioned under the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, but later in 1985, it was brought under the Department of Science and Technology (DST) of the Ministry of Science & Technology and now, with effect from 12 July 2006 the IITM has been under the administrative control of the specially formed Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES). IITM strives towards development of outstanding research talent capable of understanding and exploring enlightened and effective Atmospheric sciences, along with furthering the advancement of Research in Ocean-Atmosphere by undertaking relevant scientific programmes and collaborating with other similar research institutions, in the development and application of climate study.
CMLRE
CMLRE, Cochin under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Govt. of India has been organizing, coordinating and promoting ocean development activities in the country which inter-alia include mapping of the living resources, preparing inventory of commercially exploitable living marine resources, their optimum utilization through ecosystem management and R&D in basic sciences on Marine Living Resources and Ecology. The Marine Living Resources Programme envisages survey, assessment and exploitation of the MLR and studies on the response of MLR to changes in the physical environment with the objective of developing an ecosystem model for the management of the living resources in the Indian EEZ. The Fishery Oceanographic Vessel (FORV) Sagar Sampada is fully utilized for these studies. On-going MLR surveys in the EEZ focus on deep sea fishery, Tuna-resources, harmful algal blooms, Bioluminescent planktons, marine mammals, environment and the productivity patterns.
NCPOR
NCPOR, erstwhile National Centre for Antarctica and Ocean Research, is an Autonomous body under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Govt. of India, situated in Goa. The mandate of the centre is to plan, promote, coordinate and implement scientific research in the polar regions and the surrounding realms. The Centre is also designated as the nodal organisation for the co- ordination and implementation of the Indian Antarctic Programme, including the maintenance of India’s permanent station in Antarctica. Besides organising expeditions, NCPOR also maintains the Indian research bases in Antarctica (Maitri and Bharati), Arctic (Himadri) and Himalayas (Himansh). Through the national polar programmes, the Institute promotes the multi-institutional and multi-disciplinary approach to enhance the quality of Indian polar research, including that in the Southern Ocean. NCPOR spearheads research on paleoclimatology (using ice and sediment cores), teleconnection between polar regions and tropics, polar biology, remote sensing, sea-ice interactions, polar environment, Southern Ocean studies, etc.
AMD
Atomic Minerals Directorate (AMD) for Exploration and Research is the oldest unit of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). The Directorate is presently employing the latest technology viz. Time Domain EM system along with gamma-ray spectrometer and magnetometer for airborne geophysical surveys, and multi-disciplinary field operations viz. geological, geophysical, Geo-chemical surveys on regional as well as detailed scale and drilling activities by induction of state of the art hydrostatic rigs. The Directorate also has Beach-sands & Offshore, Rare metal and rare earth Investigations Groups and very well equipped Physics and Instrumentation Groups.
IMD
From a modest beginning in 1875, IMD has progressively expanded its infrastructure for meteorological observations, communications, forecasting and weather services and it has achieved a parallel scientific growth. IMD has always used contemporary technology. In the telegraph age, it made extensive use of weather telegrams for collecting observational data and sending warnings. Later IMD became the first organisation in India to have a message switching computer for supporting its global data exchange. One of the first few electronic computers introduced in the country was provided to IMD for scientific applications in meteorology. India was the first developing country in the world to have its own geostationary satellite, INSAT, for continuous weather monitoring of this part of the globe and particularly for cyclone warning.IMD has continuously ventured into new areas of application and service, and steadily built upon its infra-structure in its history of 140 years.
ICWA
The Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) was established in 1943 by a group of eminent intellectuals led by Sir Tej Bahadur Sapru and Dr. H. N. Kunzru. Its principal objective was to create an Indian perspective on international relations and act as a repository of knowledge and thinking on foreign policy issues. The Council today conducts policy research through an in-house faculty as well as through external experts. It regularly organizes an array of intellectual activities including conference, seminars, roundtable discussions, lectures and brings out a range of publications.It has a well stocked library, publishes the journal ‘India Quarterly’, and is active on social media. ICWA has over 100 MoUs with leading international and national think tanks, research and academic institutions to promote better understanding on international issues and develop areas of mutual cooperation.
CSIR-HRDG
Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), India, a premier national R&D organisation, is among the world's largest publicly funded R&D organizations. CSIR's pioneering sustained contribution to S&T human resource development is acclaimed nationally. Human Resource Development Group (HRDG), a division of CSIR realises this objective through various grants, fellowship schemes etc.Human Resource Development Group has been contributing significantly towards producing an inquiring society and fast growing knowledge economy. These numerous schemes cover a wide range of scientists. It started extramural research support to scientists working in universities and R&D institutions way back in 1943 with ‘Research Schemes’ .CSIR has initiated various schemes over the years to benefit students to pursue their research interests in various areas of science & technology, the most noteworthy among these is CSIR-UGC National Eligibility Test for JRF and Eligibility for Lectureship.
NBRI
The CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI) - is amongst one of the constituent research institutes of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), New Delhi. The institute engaged in research in the classical botanical disciplines, and laying an increasing emphasis, in keeping with the national needs and priorities in the field of plant sciences, on its applied and developmental research activities. Objectives: Basic and applied research on plant diversity and prospection, plant-environment interaction and biotechnological approaches for plant improvement. Development of technologies for new plant and microbial sources of commercial importance Building up germplasm repository of plants of indigenous and exotic origin, including rare, endangered and threatened species Providing expertise and assistance for identification, supply and exchange of plants and propagules, garden layout and landscaping Dissemination of scientific knowledge and technologies on plants and microbial resources through publications, training, capacity building and extension activities.
CIFT
The ICAR - Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT) set up in 1957 is the only national center in the country where research in all disciplines relating to fishing and fish processing is undertaken. The institute started functioning at Cochin in 1957. Research centers function at Veraval (Gujarat), Visakhapatnam (AP), Mumbai (Maharashtra). The institute functions with the following mandate: Basic and strategic research in fishing and processing, Design and develop energy efficient fishing systems for responsible fishing and sustainable management,Development of implements and machinery for fishing and fish processing, Human resource Development through training, education and extension.
NCMRWF
The National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF) serves as a pivotal institution in India for Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences. By leveraging advanced global data assimilation and modeling techniques, NCMRWF effectively generates medium-range forecasts that support the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and various government agencies. These reliable and timely forecasts significantly enhance efforts in agriculture, disaster management, renewable energy, water resource management, and public safety, fostering improved decision-making and contributing to the well-being of India and its neighboring regions.
ONGC Videsh Limited (OVL)
ONGC Videsh Limited, now a Navratana Schedule “A” Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) of the Government of India under the administrative control of the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, is the wholly owned subsidiary and overseas arm of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC), the flagship national oil company (NOC) of India. The primary business of ONGC Videsh is to prospect for oil and gas acreages outside India, including exploration, development and production of oil and gas. ONGC Videsh owns Participating Interests in 32 oil and gas assets in 15 countries. In terms of reserves and production, ONGC Videsh is the second largest petroleum company of India, next only to its parent ONGC.
ISRO
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is the space agency of India. The organisation is involved in science, engineering and technology to harvest the benefits of outer space for India and mankind. ISRO is a major constituent of the Department of Space (DOS), Government of India. The department executes the Indian Space Programme primarily through various Centres or units within ISRO. ISRO was previously the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR), set up by the Government of India in 1962, as envisioned by Dr. VikramA Sarabhai. ISRO was formed on August 15, 1969 and superseded INCOSPAR with an expanded role to harness space technology. DOS was set up and ISRO was brought under DOS in 1972. The prime objective of ISRO/DOS is the development and application of space technology for various national needs. To fulfil this objective, ISRO has established major space systems for communication, television broadcasting and meteorological services; resources monitoring and management; space-based navigation services. ISRO has developed satellite launch vehicles, PSLV and GSLV, to place the satellites in the required orbits.Alongside its technological advancement, ISRO contributes to science and science education in the country.
NPL
The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) was conceptualized in 1943 by the Governing Body of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). It is mandated by an Act of Parliament as India’s National Measurement Institute (NMI) and serves as the custodian of the National Standards, with responsibility for disseminating measurements to meet national needs. CSIR-NPL also maintains the Indian Standard Time (IST). The mission of CSIR-NPL is to: (i) develop internationally accepted national measurement standards and disseminate measurement capabilities to industry, government, strategic sectors, and academia; (ii) conduct multidisciplinary R&D to establish futuristic quantum standards and emerging technologies, keeping India aligned with leading global measurement laboratories; (iii) develop sophisticated analytical equipment as import substitutes under the Make in India programme; and (iv) train young scientists and industry personnel in measurement sciences under the Skill India programme.
NCS
The National Centre for Seismology (NCS), under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, is the nodal agency responsible for monitoring seismic activity across the country. It operates and maintains a national network of seismological observatories for real-time detection, location, and analysis of earthquakes. NCS provides authoritative earthquake information to government agencies, disaster management authorities, and the public, and plays a crucial role in seismic hazard assessment, risk mitigation, and preparedness. The Centre also undertakes research in seismology and allied fields, contributes to capacity building, and supports national efforts in disaster resilience and earthquake risk reduction.
CSIR-NEIST
CSIR–North East Institute of Science and Technology (CSIR-NEIST), Jorhat, Assam, a constituent laboratory of CSIR, New Delhi, was established in 1961 as the Regional Research Laboratory. The institute undertakes multidisciplinary R&D of national relevance, with a special focus on the North Eastern Region, leveraging its rich natural resources such as petroleum, natural gas, minerals, tea, and aromatic and medicinal plants. CSIR-NEIST has developed over 100 indigenous technologies in areas including agrotechnology and biological and oilfield chemicals, around 40% of which have been commercially successful, leading to industry creation across the country. The institute has expertise in natural products chemistry, drugs and intermediates, petrochemicals, crude oil transportation, paper and building materials, agro-technologies, environmental and geotechnical studies. The annual turnover of products based on its technologies is estimated at about ₹110 crore.
MEA
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is the Government of India’s nodal ministry responsible for the conduct of India’s foreign relations and external affairs. It manages diplomatic and consular relations with foreign states and international organisations, including the United Nations, oversees treaties and international agreements, border and territorial matters, and handles issues relating to passports, visas, extradition, and foreign jurisdiction. MEA is also responsible for the Indian Foreign Service, diplomatic training through the Foreign Service Institute, and ceremonial and protocol matters involving foreign dignitaries. A significant part of its mandate covers the welfare, engagement, and emigration of Overseas Indians, including Persons of Indian Origin and Non-Resident Indians, along with programmes such as Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. The Ministry coordinates international economic, technical, and development cooperation, manages India’s participation in global and regional organisations, and undertakes external publicity. Headquartered primarily in South Block, New Delhi, MEA plays a central role in advancing India’s strategic, political, economic, and cultural interests worldwide.
Space Applications Centre (SAC)
Space Applications Centre (SAC), Ahmedabad, is a major research and development centre of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), playing a pivotal role in fulfilling its vision and mission. Spread across two campuses, SAC undertakes multidisciplinary activities with core expertise in developing space-borne and air-borne payloads and their applications for national development and societal benefit. Its work primarily supports India’s communication, navigation, and remote sensing needs, while also contributing to major scientific and planetary missions such as Chandrayaan-1 and the Mars Orbiter Mission. SAC develops communication transponders for INSAT and GSAT satellites, navigation payloads for IRNSS and GAGAN, and advanced optical and microwave sensors for Earth Observation applications across agriculture, climate, oceans, atmosphere, cryosphere, and hydrosphere. The Centre has state-of-the-art facilities, strong collaborations, public outreach initiatives, and conducts international postgraduate diploma programmes under CSSTEAP.
GRSE
Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) Limited, Kolkata, is a leading defence public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, with a distinguished legacy of over six decades in shipbuilding and engineering. GRSE plays a critical role in strengthening India’s maritime and national security by designing and constructing a wide range of warships, patrol vessels, landing craft, and auxiliary platforms for the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard. The shipyard has delivered over 790 platforms, including more than 110 warships, and is known for its in-house design capability, modular construction techniques, and advanced manufacturing infrastructure. In addition to defence shipbuilding, GRSE is engaged in marine engineering, deck machinery, and export of vessels and equipment. The organisation actively supports the Government of India’s initiatives such as Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India through indigenous design, innovation, and skilled workforce development.
RGCB
The Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB), located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, has evolved into a premier national institute for biotechnology and health research. Established in 1990 as a small charitable society (C-DEST), it was restructured in 1994 into a comprehensive biotechnology centre and later gained national status in 2007 under the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India. RGCB’s growth was shaped by visionary leadership, strong support from the Kerala and Union governments, and landmark national recognition. Today, RGCB focuses on Disease Biology, integrating basic and applied research in human, animal, and plant diseases, including cancer, infectious diseases, cardiovascular disorders, and plant pathogens. Functioning from three campuses—Jagathy, Aakkulam, and BioNest—it combines advanced research, innovation, diagnostics, vaccine development, and biotechnology incubation. With state-of-the-art facilities and strong translational focus, RGCB plays a vital role in advancing Indian biotechnology and strengthening the knowledge economy.
MPT
The Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) has played a crucial logistical role in supporting India's polar research initiatives. Notably, it served as the departure point for the 40th Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica in January 2021, where a 43-member team embarked on the Russian ice-class vessel MV Vasiliy Golovnin. Also, MPT has a history of members going to ISEA. MPT's strategic location and infrastructure have facilitated the mobilization of personnel, equipment, and supplies essential for Antarctic missions. Its involvement underscores the importance of robust maritime support in advancing India's scientific endeavors in polar regions.
Samhitha Marine
Samhitha Marine is the continuation of a strong legacy that began when Results Marine gave the direction to the Marine & Oceanography business as the journey in this segment began in 2004; from a modest start the brand became iconic through sustained efforts, right association, and committed customer support, and as Results Marine embarked on a transformation a couple of years ago diversifying into new business initiatives and streamlining its focus on Oil & Gas and Engineering Services in top side structures and subsea engineering, the Marine & Oceanography vertical was transferred to Samhitha Marine as a going concern to continue serving the established market.
ABS Marine
Erstwhile ‘ABS Marine Services Private Limited’, incorporated on 27th October 1992, has subsequently evolved into ‘ABS Marine Services Limited’ on 23rd October 2023, and with its vision and business expertise the company has grown manifold and is today at the forefront of ship management, ship owning, marine services, and port services; registered and incorporated in Chennai, ABS Marine Services has an international presence delivering services through offices strategically positioned in Mumbai, Kochi, Kakinada, and Singapore, and the company comprises a team of 50 professionals fully trained and qualified in all aspects of crew and technical management, ship operations, shipping law, and finance management.
POLAR TECH
Polar Technologies (India) is a technical support group engaged by reputed international companies in engineering, high-end technology systems and services, fabrication processes, and new age construction, with a strong track record over 26 years supporting global majors in oil and gas, onshore and offshore engineering, geophysical and oceanographic systems, marine, environmental science and research organizations, offshore research and aviation operations, and nuclear energy applications; Polar Tech provides end-to-end solutions for 2D and 3D seismic surveys, geophysical equipment, hydraulic snubbers and dampers, aviation operations and logistics for polar expeditions, process gas compressors, heat exchanges, waste heat recovery units, deep sea mining, underwater acoustics, sonar systems, marine equipment, weather Doppler radar systems, weather forecasting services, and waterways and port development consulting.
SEAPORT SHIPPING PRIVATE LIMITED
SEAPORT SHIPPING PRIVATE LIMITED is a part of the SEAPOL group, which was established in 1994 by professionals. Through years of dedication, hard work, professionalism, vision and expertise in the related fields, Seaport Shipping Private Limited has now turned into one of the leading ship management company for scientific research vessels and other types of vessels specialized in operating electric propulsion and DP (Dynamic Positioning).