India’s approach to scientific missions in recent years has increasingly -Dr Jitendra Singh

India is aiming to achieve global competitiveness in ocean research and exploration through indigenous capabilities, international cooperation and global co-creation, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences and MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh, said while addressing the Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue (IPRD) 2026, organised by the National Maritime Foundation under the Ministry of Defence.

Dr. Jitendra Singh said that India’s approach to scientific missions in recent years has increasingly been based on a mission-mode framework, bringing together multiple departments and institutions rather than confining research to individual ministries. He highlighted the growing convergence of ocean sciences, space technology, nuclear science, geology, electronics and robotics in advancing India’s maritime and deep-ocean capabilities.

During the interaction with participants, Dr. Jitendra Singh also addressed a question on the potential of nuclear-powered vessels and the future of clean energy in maritime transport. He referred to the recent opening of the nuclear sector to private participation under the SHANTI Act and India’s target of achieving 100 GW of nuclear energy capacity by 2047. He said that the Deep Ocean Mission is also exploring different possibilities for generating renewable energy from the oceans, including through solar panels, ocean winds and temperature or energy gradients.(UPDATED ON 4TH NOVEMBER 2026)