India is set to construct its first-ever Polar Research Vessel (PRV) in collaboration with Norway's Kongsberg, marking a significant advancement in the nation's scientific and maritime capabilities. The agreement was formalized during the Nor-Shipping 2025 event in Norway, where Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, emphasized the importance of international partnerships in achieving India's Maritime Vision 2047 goals  

The PRV project, with an estimated cost of ₹2,600 crore, aims to bolster India's research operations in both the Antarctic and Arctic regions. Currently, India maintains three research stations in Antarctica—Maitri, Bharati, and Dakshin Gangotri—and the new vessel will ensure uninterrupted access to these stations, facilitating studies on climate change and other scientific endeavors . 

This initiative also aligns with India's broader scientific objectives, including the establishment of the National Research Foundation (NRF) to promote research and development across various disciplines.

The collaboration with Kongsberg is a strategic move to integrate advanced global expertise into India's maritime sector, reflecting a commitment to enhancing indigenous capabilities in polar research and exploration.