Strengthening India–New Zealand Polar Cooperation.

India–New Zealand polar partnership reached a new milestone with the visit of Dr. Thamban Meloth, Director, National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, to Scott Base, Antarctica, from 31 October to 3 November 2026, at the invitation of Antarctica New Zealand (ANZ), Christchurch.

He was joined by Dr. Jordy Hendrikx, CEO, Antarctica New Zealand. The visit provided valuable opportunities to exchange scientific and operational expertise, gain first-hand insights into New Zealand’s plans for the redevelopment of Scott Base, and visit the neighbouring US McMurdo Station, the largest research station in Antarctica.

With India operating two Antarctic research stations— Maitri and Bharati—the visit offered important insights into the complexities of station redevelopment, particularly as India plans to replace the Maitri station in the coming years.

He also delivered a presentation highlighting India's policy initiatives and the Government of India's growing commitment to strengthening Antarctic and Arctic research.

This engagement builds on the positive momentum generated by the high-level visit of the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India to New Zealand and the 2026 MoU between NCPOR and the University of Canterbury, further advancing scientific collaboration and polar cooperation between the two nations.

Working together for stronger polar science and a shared understanding of the Antarctic environment.