Indian Arctic Narrative – Importance and Way Forward

Source: The post “Indian Arctic Narrative – Importance and Way Forward” has been created based on “Expert Explains | Why India needs a clear ‘Arctic narrative’” published in “Indian Express” on 10 August 2026. Indian Arctic Narrative – Importance and Way Forward.

UPSC Syllabus: GS-3-Environment

Context: The Arctic is no longer merely a region of scientific exploration. It is increasingly becoming a zone where climate change, geopolitics, maritime access, energy security and critical mineral supply chains converge. India, which released its Arctic Policy in 2022, has important interests in the region but faces a gap between its ambitions and capabilities.

India’s importance and presence in the Arctic

1. India has historical links with the Arctic. As part of the British Dominion, it was among the original 14 signatories of the 1920 Svalbard Treaty.
2. The treaty allows Indians to visit Svalbard without a visa and engage in commercial activities there.
3. India has maintained a permanent scientific presence through the Himadri research station at Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard.
4. India is one of only two developing countries with a permanent scientific presence in the Arctic.

Why the Arctic matters to India

1. Climate security

1. India is highly dependent on the southwest monsoon, with nearly 70% of annual rainfall coming from it.
2. Agriculture contributes around 18% of GDP and supports more than half of India’s population.
3. Scientific studies increasingly indicate a connection between Arctic changes and the Indian monsoon.
4. Rapid Arctic warming and declining sea ice can affect atmospheric circulation and consequently influence rainfall, agriculture, food security and economic growth in India.

2. Sea-level rise

1. Arctic changes contribute significantly to global sea-level rise.
2. Low-lying island states such as the Maldives face serious existential threats.
3. Parts of Bangladesh and India’s coastline could face repeated flooding and displacement.
4. More than 250 million people in vulnerable coastal regions of South Asia could potentially be affected by mid-century.
5. Therefore, Arctic climate change is also an issue of India’s national security, as climate-induced migration could create humanitarian, social and security challenges.

3. Geopolitical importance

1. Two of India’s important strategic partners, the US and Russia, are Arctic states.
2. China, despite being an extra-regional country, has invested heavily in Arctic infrastructure, research and shipping.
3. The Arctic is becoming increasingly important for maritime access, energy security and critical mineral supply chains.
4. India also has friendly relations with the other Arctic countries.
5. The India-Nordic Summit has strengthened cooperation with Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark and Iceland, while relations with Canada have also improved.

Major gaps in India’s Arctic engagement

1. Lack of a clear Arctic narrative

1. India’s Arctic engagement has traditionally focused mainly on scientific research.
2. However, its interests now extend to climate security, geopolitics, maritime access, energy and resources. India needs a coherent whole-of-government Arctic approach.

2. Fragmented institutional structure

1. Arctic affairs are divided among different divisions of the Ministry of External Affairs.
2. The eight Arctic states and Arctic Council-related matters are handled by four different territorial and functional divisions.
3. This makes coordinated and consistent Arctic diplomacy difficult.

3. Absence of a Polar Ambassador

1. India does not have a dedicated senior official for Arctic affairs.
2. All Arctic states have dedicated Arctic ambassadors, while several observer states also have similar arrangements.
3. A Polar Ambassador could coordinate inter-ministerial efforts, engage Arctic governments and institutions, and develop a consistent Indian position on Arctic governance.

4. Lack of a dedicated Polar Research Vessel

1. India’s Arctic scientific presence remains largely concentrated around Svalbard.
2. Without an ice-class research vessel, access to the wider Arctic Ocean depends on foreign partners and chartered vessels.
3. Chartering creates problems related to vessel availability, research priorities and continuity of long-term observations.
4. Although a Polar Research Vessel was sanctioned by the Union Cabinet in 2014, it remains on the drawing board.
5. The current plan envisages an indigenous vessel only towards the end of this decade.

5. Limited funding

1. India spent only Rs 17.53 crore on Arctic activities in 2024-25.
2. This was less than one-tenth of its expenditure on Antarctica.
3. Such limited funding does not match the Arctic’s growing importance for India’s climate, coastline and geopolitical interests.

Way forward

1. Appoint a dedicated Polar Ambassador to ensure coordinated and sustained Arctic diplomacy.
2. Develop a whole-of-government Arctic strategy linking science with climate security, diplomacy, maritime interests, energy security and critical minerals.
3. Accelerate the Polar Research Vessel project to enable India to undertake meaningful pan-Arctic research independently.
4. As an interim measure, India could consider acquiring or chartering an existing ice-capable vessel, similar to China’s acquisition of the Ukrainian icebreaker that became Xuelong (Snow Dragon).
5. Increase funding for Arctic research and activities to bring investment in line with India’s strategic interests.
6. Use India’s good relations with the Arctic nations to deepen cooperation in science, climate, technology and Arctic governance.

Conclusion: The Arctic Policy of 2022 provided India with a policy framework, while the Parliamentary Standing Committee has highlighted the major institutional, financial and capability gaps. India must now move from policy to capability. A coherent Arctic narrative, dedicated institutional leadership, adequate funding and independent research capabilities will help India protect its climate, economic and strategic interests in a rapidly changing Arctic region.

Question: India’s engagement with the Arctic needs to move beyond scientific exploration towards a comprehensive strategic approach. Discuss the major challenges and suggest measures to strengthen India’s Arctic narrative.

Source: Indian Express