The Indian government has established a dedicated policy framework to support joint ventures (JVs) in polar exploration, aiming to strengthen India’s scientific presence in the Arctic and Antarctic regions and foster international collaboration in climate science, geospatial research, and environmental monitoring. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) and coordinated through the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), the initiative encourages partnerships between Indian research bodies, global scientific institutions, logistics firms, and advanced technology providers.

Under the framework, JVs are invited to participate in polar research infrastructure development, including the construction and operation of research stations, ice-class vessels, and autonomous observation platforms. The policy permits 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) in research-related services under the automatic route, facilitating cross-border partnerships that advance scientific knowledge and technology sharing. Additionally, joint ventures can access government grants, technical support, and specialized logistics coordination for deploying missions and conducting long-term observational studies in extreme polar environments.

Special priority is given to joint ventures that focus on glaciology, polar climatology, biodiversity assessments, satellite-based ice monitoring, and the impacts of polar changes on the Indian monsoon and sea-level rise. The framework also promotes capacity building, joint data-sharing agreements, and the creation of international knowledge networks through public-private-scientific alliances. With this support, the government aims to elevate India’s role in global polar research initiatives, enhance scientific cooperation, and develop critical expertise in one of the world’s most fragile and strategically important regions.