From scientific research to geopolitics: Why India needs a clear 'Arctic narrative', Pg11

Key Highlights:

• A parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs report titled ‘India’s Role and Presence in the Arctic and Antarctic Regions’ has urged India to develop a clear Arctic narrative.
• India was an original signatory to the 1920 Svalbard Treaty, granting its citizens visa-free access and commercial rights in Svalbard.
• India maintains a permanent scientific presence in the Arctic through the Himadri research station in Ny-Alesund, Svalbard.
• The report highlights a significant funding gap, with India spending only Rs 17.53 crore on Arctic activities in 2024-25.
• India lacks a dedicated Polar Research Vessel (PRV), hindering comprehensive pan-Arctic research beyond Svalbard.

Detailed Insights:

• India's Arctic narrative should prioritize climate security, given the Arctic-Indian monsoon teleconnection impacting rainfall and food security.
• Rapid Arctic warming contributes to global sea-level rise, posing existential threats to low-lying island states and coastal regions of South Asia.
• Geopolitically, the Arctic is a battleground for major powers, with implications for maritime access, energy security, and critical mineral supply chains.
• India's Arctic affairs are currently fragmented across multiple divisions within the Ministry of External Affairs, hindering a cohesive approach.
• Despite having an Arctic Policy since 2022, India lacks a dedicated senior official for Arctic affairs.
• The absence of an indigenous Polar Research Vessel (PRV), sanctioned in 2014 but delayed, limits India's independent research capabilities in the wider Arctic Ocean.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Svalbard Treaty: An international treaty from 1920 recognizing Norway's sovereignty over Svalbard while granting signatory nations equal rights to engage in commercial activities.
• Arctic-Indian Monsoon Teleconnection: A scientific phenomenon describing the influence of rapid Arctic warming and sea ice decline on atmospheric circulation patterns affecting the Indian monsoon.
• Polar Research Vessel (PRV): A specialized ice-class ship designed for scientific research in polar regions, capable of navigating through ice-covered waters.
• Arctic Council: An intergovernmental forum promoting cooperation, coordination, and interaction among Arctic states and indigenous communities on common Arctic issues.