The Committee examined India’s presence in polar regions, and progress on scientific research.
Importance of Polar Regions
- Climate Regulation: Polar Regions act as a global climate barometer.
- Indian Monsoon: Arctic changes may influence monsoon and rainfall patterns.
- Sea-level Rise: Polar ice melt threatens India’s coastal regions.
- Critical Minerals: Arctic resources can support India’s supply-chain security.
- Shipping: Melting sea ice is opening routes like the Northern Sea Route potentially improving connectivity between Asia and Europe.
- Geopolitics: The Arctic is emerging as a key strategic theatre amid major-power competition.
| Major Issues India faces in the region | Recommendations |
Limited Arctic Council role:
| India should take up its claim for Member status whenever the Arctic Council reviews its membership, while continuing to deepen ties with Arctic States and other Observer countries and seek their support for India’s future membership. |
Weak Arctic partnerships:
| Deepen ties with Arctic States and pursue a quadrilateral arrangement with Japan, South Korea and Singapore. |
Limited polar diplomacy:
| Appoint a Polar Ambassador. |
Arctic governance:
| Pursue recognition of the Arctic as a “Quasi-Global Commons” like the Amazon rainforest, whose ecological importance extends beyond its territorial boundaries. |
Northern Sea Route:
| Expedite the India–Russia feasibility study and work towards 5 million tonnes of cargo by 2030. |
Treaty related research restrictions:
| The Committee recommends that the MEA directly engage with the Norwegian Government to address the restrictions and safeguard India’s ability to undertake polar research. |
Ageing Antarctic infrastructure:
| Expedite construction of Maitri-II to ensure India’s long-term Antarctic presence. |
India’s 2022 Arctic Policy:
| Add “Geopolitics & Strategy” as a new pillar. |
