India’s Arctic Policy: India hopes to put down roots in Arctic

What is the News?

The Ministry of Earth Science has unveiled India’s Arctic Policy, titled ‘India and the Arctic: building a partnership for sustainable development’.

India and the Arctic Region

India’s engagement with the Arctic began when it signed the Svalbard Treaty in 1920.

India initiated its Arctic research program in 2007 with a focus on climate change in the region.

India has the status of ‘Observer’ member in the Arctic Council and participates in several meetings that are mostly themed around research.

Arctic weather influences the Indian monsoon and hence has been of interest to Indian researchers for decades. 

Currently, India has a single station, Himadri, in Ny-Alesund, Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago, where research personnel are usually present for 180 days.

Climate change and the melting of ice caps imply changes to the Arctic weather. India has sent 13 expeditions to the Arctic since 2007 and runs 23 active science projects.

What is India’s Arctic Policy?

Pillars: The policy document lays down six pillars: 1) Strengthening India’s scientific research and cooperation, 2) climate and environmental protection, 3) economic and human development, 4) transportation and connectivity, 5) governance and international cooperation and 6) national capacity building in the Arctic region.

Objectives of the Policy:

– Strengthening national capabilities, climate and environmental protection, maritime and economic cooperation with the Arctic region.

– Inter-ministerial coordination in pursuit of India’s interests in the Arctic.

– Enhancing understanding of the impact of climate change in the Arctic region on India’s climate, economic, and energy security.

– Contributing better analysis, prediction, and coordinated policymaking on the implications of ice melting in the Arctic.

– Studying linkages between polar regions and the Himalayas.

– Deepen cooperation between India and countries of the Arctic region under various Arctic forums. 

– Increase India’s participation in the Arctic Council.

Source: This post is based on the article “India hopes to put down roots in Arctic” published in The Hindu on 21st Mar 2022.