India’s involvement with the Arctic dates back to February 1920, when it officially joined the Svalbard Treaty in Paris. Taking a significant step forward, India embarked on its inaugural scientific expedition to the Arctic in 2007. The purpose was to conduct crucial baseline measurements in the fields of biological sciences, oceanography, atmospheric sciences, and glaciology.
India’s Contribution To Arctic Science
- India actively participates in Arctic matters and observations.
- The country is committed to enhancing its involvement in Arctic affairs.
- India’s connection with the Arctic is a vital aspect of its comprehensive polar program, encompassing endeavors in the Arctic, Antarctic, and the Himalayas. The initiation of its polar research dates back to 1981, marked by the inaugural scientific expedition to Antarctica.
Research And Studies
- India is dedicated to cryospheric research, which includes studying permafrost, snow, and ice.
- This research has improved our understanding of the Arctic.
- India also delves into Arctic oceanography, atmosphere, pollution, and microbiology.
- Over 25 Indian Institutes and Universities conduct Arctic research.
- Since 2007, approximately a hundred articles on Arctic issues have been peer-reviewed and published.
- Established in 2016, Gruvebadet houses India’s northernmost atmospheric laboratory. This state-of-the-art facility is equipped with a range of advanced instruments to study various atmospheric parameters, including clouds, precipitation, long-range pollutants, and more.
Expeditions And Missions
- India’s Arctic station, Himadri, is occupied for about 180 days annually.
- Over 300 Indian researchers have worked at the station since its establishment.
- India has executed thirteen Arctic expeditions since 2007 and manages twenty-three active projects.
- Indian participation in the Svalbard coastal cruise and various international expeditions has boosted India’s Arctic presence.
International Participation
- India has been an Observer nation in the Arctic Council since 2013.
- India regularly participates in Senior Arctic Officials meetings and contributes to the Arctic Council’s six Working Groups.
- India maintains consistent engagement with the Arctic Energy Summit and Arctic Science Ministerial, as well as Task Forces meetings.
India And Arctic Council
- India, China, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore were granted observer status in the Arctic Council in 2013.
- India collaborates actively with the Arctic Council’s Working Groups.
- India is a member of both the Ny-Ålesund Science Managers Committee (NySMAC) and the International Arctic Science Committee (IASC).
- In 2019, India joined the University of the Arctic.
- This membership opens up new possibilities for Indian researchers to engage in thematic courses and research networks related to the Arctic.
Government Of India And The Arctic
- The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) is in charge of India’s Polar research programme. This falls under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, and includes studies related to the Arctic.
- The Ministry of External Affairs is responsible for liaising with the Arctic Council.
- There are other Ministries and Institutes in India that are involved in Arctic activities and are planning to deepen their involvement. These are:
- Ministry of Environment
- Ministry of Science and Technology
- Department of Space
- Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
- Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
- Ministry of Mines
- Department of Telecommunications
- Ministry of Commerce and Industry
- Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
- Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairy
- Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
- Department of Biotechnology
- Council of Scientific and Industrial Research