The Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL) of India recently visited Muscat with their research vessel, INS Sagardhwani. The journey was part of NPOL’s Sagar Maitri mission, which aims to promote collaboration in ocean research among Indian Ocean Rim countries. The visit was jointly coordinated by the Indian embassy in Oman, the international office at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), and the College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences.

During the visit, a series of activities were undertaken by NPOL and SQU. On the 18th of October, the Department of Marine Science and Fisheries at SQU conducted a workshop on regional oceanography, where researchers from both institutions presented their latest studies. Representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, the Environment Authority, the Civil Aviation Authority, and the Oman National Hydrographic Office attended the successful workshop.

Additionally, students from the Marine Sciences department at SQU had the opportunity to visit INS Sagardhwani and participate in a 24-hour cruise, allowing them to gain practical experience in offshore ocean data collection. This engagement between NPOL and SQU facilitated active student training and fostered exchange between researchers on topics critical to the Arabian Sea and Sea of Oman, like algae blooms and the oxygen minimum zone.

An official reception on board INS Sagardhwani was attended by the Indian ambassador to Oman and representatives from the College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences at SQU. Following the success of the visit, a Memorandum of Understanding between NPOL and SQU is currently being drafted to consolidate the partnership and establish future collaborations.