India and the United Arab Emirates have extended their growing scientific partnership to Antarctica, with Emirati researchers joining India’s 45th Antarctic Expedition at the Maitri research station. The Indian Embassy in the UAE said the collaboration marks a new phase in bilateral cooperation in polar and planetary research.
According to the embassy, researchers from Khalifa University are working alongside Indian scientists to study Antarctica’s extreme terrain, which closely resembles the surface of Mars. The research is aimed at advancing understanding in polar science, climate studies, and planetary exploration.
In a post on X, the embassy said the joint team is exploring Antarctica’s “Mars-like landscapes” to support research linked to earth sciences and space studies. The collaboration highlights the deepening scientific ties between India and the UAE, particularly in areas related to climate change and space research.
The Antarctic partnership follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the two countries on December 13, 2024, to strengthen cooperation in polar and ocean research. The MoU was signed during the 15th session of the UAE–India Joint Committee Meeting.
The agreement was signed between the Emirates Polar Program and India’s National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research. Officials from both sides said the partnership would promote knowledge sharing, joint research, and long-term collaboration in polar and ocean sciences.
