In the midst of a rapidly changing global landscape, where geopolitical dynamics are constantly shifting and climate change is accelerating at an alarming rate, a beacon of strategic foresight and environmental responsibility has emerged. The recent release of India’s Arctic Policy: Building a partnership for sustainable development by the Ministry of Earth Sciences has ignited a spark of hope and international attention. This policy, not only symbolises India’s commitment to enhancing cooperation in the resource-rich Arctic region but also signifies its resolute stance against climate change and the urgent need to protect this fragile environment.
What makes this policy truly remarkable is its holistic approach, built upon six central pillars (i) science and research; (ii) climate and environmental protection; (iii) economic and human development; (iv) transportation and connectivity; (v) governance and international cooperation; and (vi) national capacity building. This multifaceted strategy underscores India’s comprehensive engagement with the Arctic, transcending mere resource exploitation to focus on the region’s long-term sustainability and global significance. However, the timing of this policy’s release cannot be understated. In a world gripped by the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Arctic has become a strategic focal point for major powers. The Arctic Council, responsible for overseeing the region’s affairs, has witnessed a significant shift as Russia, its current chairperson, faces mounting accusations of violating fundamental principles of international law in Ukraine. Ukraine’s strategic importance for Europe’s connectivity with neighbouring regions, including the Arctic, has intensified the global scrutiny of Arctic affairs, making India’s Arctic Policy all the more significant on the world stage.
India’s Arctic mission includes (i) enhancing the country’s contribution in the Arctic region; (ii) harmonising polar research with the Himalayas; (iii) enhancing humankind’s understanding of the region; (iv) bolstering international efforts in fighting climate change and environment protection, and (v) advancing the study and understanding of the region in the country.
PACER Scheme
The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), an autonomous institute under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, effectively implemented the Polar Science and Cryosphere Research (PACER) scheme, which encompasses the Antarctic programme, Indian Arctic programme, Southern Ocean programme, and Cryosphere and Climate programme.
The PACER scheme has received approval for its continuation from 2021 to 2026.
Background
India’s connection with the Arctic dates back to the signing of the Svalbard Treaty in 1920. With this treaty, India joined a group of nations concerned with the Arctic Island of Spitsbergen. Spitsbergen is the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago and part of Norway, which resides within the Arctic Ocean, and is characterised by its extensive ice coverage, towering mountains, and picturesque fjords. Since then, India has diligently observed Arctic developments and initiated its Arctic research programme in 2007, with a primary focus on understanding climate change in the region. This programme includes investigating the intricate connections between Arctic climate and India’s monsoon patterns, using satellite data to study sea ice, and assessing its impact on global warming. India’s Arctic research spans a wide spectrum of scientific disciplines, encompassing atmospheric, biological, marine, and earth sciences, along with glaciological investigations. Within atmospheric research, the focus lies on the properties and impacts of aerosols and precursor gases, as well as the effects of space weather on the auroral ionosphere. Biological studies delve into sea-ice microbial communities, while marine research examines phytoplankton pigments, nutrient levels, pH, dissolved oxygen, and seawater salinity, among other ecological parameters. Earth sciences and glaciological observations include the study of carbon monoxide production within the snowpack and its diurnal variations. India’s research extends to the dynamics and mass balance of Arctic glaciers, sea-level changes, and a comprehensive examination of Arctic flora and fauna, reflecting its commitment to both scientific exploration and environmental stewardship in this critical region. India became member of the Ny-Alesund Science Managers Committee (NySMAC) in 2008. Indian Arctic web portal was formally launched at Himadri. IndARC, India’s first multi-sensor moored observatory was deployed in Kongsfjordon in 2014. In 2016, India’s northernmost atmospheric laboratory was established at Gruvebadet. However, major developments of Indian Arctic programme were laid in the year 2013, when India received the permanent observer status in the Arctic Council and was re-elected as an Observer to the Council in 2019.
HIMADRI
HIMADRI (the abode of snow) is India’s first inaugural research station situated within the International Arctic Research base in Ny-Alesund, Svalbard, Norway. Positioned approximately 1,200 kilometres from the North Pole, it was officially inaugurated in 2008. It serves as a vital hub offering extensive field and laboratory support essential for conducting research endeavours in the Arctic, with the NCAOR playing a pivotal role in ensuring the availability of necessary facilities.
Artic Region and its Importance
The Arctic Ocean region has become a focal point of interest, not only for the Arctic States but also for other nations, owing to its strategic and economic significance. This vast region encompasses the Arctic Ocean, neighbouring seas, and portions of Alaska (US), Canada, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, and Sweden, with approximately four million inhabitants, including a significant indigenous population. Russia boasts the largest exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the Arctic. However, the melting icebergs raise the prospect of a substantial portion becoming international waters.
The Arctic’s importance is underscored by three critical factors: (i) its alarming rate of warming, three times faster than the global average, impacting climate change and coastal areas; (ii) its potential as a shorter shipping route connecting the Far East to Europe; and (iii) its vast reservoir of mineral and hydrocarbon resources, estimated to hold 22 per cent of the world’s oil and natural gas, as well as 25 percent of global rare earth minerals.
Challenges Associated with Arctic Region
Rapid climate change The melting of Arctic Sea ice due to global warming has accelerated, raising concerns about the environmental impact and the potential for more human activity in the region.
Environmental and ecological concerns Decreased sea ice and permafrost, coupled with increased human activity, pose risks to the fragile Arctic ecosystem, potentially disrupting weather, and climate conditions globally.
Arctic resource competition The changing environment has led to the prospect of an ‘Arctic Gold Rush,’ with states vying for access to oil, gas, and other natural resources in the region, as well as expanding their territorial claims.
Shipping routes As sea ice diminishes, the Arctic could become an alternative route for international shipping, particularly the Northeast Passage, which is significantly shorter than traditional routes through the Suez Canal. However, this poses technical, environmental, and operational challenges.
Indigenous communities The economic development of indigenous communities in the Arctic can be aided by increased access to resources, but it also threatens their traditional ways of life and the environment they wish to preserve.
Political and security concerns Sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the Arctic are held by eight Arctic countries, but new challenges, including territorial disputes, military deployments, and legal claims, have the potential to disrupt peace and stability in the region. Additionally, nontraditional security issues like oil spills and environmental disasters now have security implications.
Geoeconomic significance The Arctic’s growing economic importance has elevated even environmental protection issues to national and international security concerns.
The Arctic region holds immense geopolitical significance, primarily driven by the transformative impact it exerts on global shipping routes. As highlighted in an analysis from the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA), the adverse consequences of Arctic changes extend beyond the availability of mineral and hydrocarbon resources to a profound reshaping of international maritime pathways. India, as stated by the Ministry of External Affairs, has the potential to play a constructive role in ensuring stability in the Arctic, particularly as the region is predicted to become ice-free by 2050, drawing the attention of world powers eager to exploit its abundant natural resources.
Arctic Council and Agreements
The Arctic Council serves as a prominent intergovernmental forum dedicated to fostering cooperation, coordination, and interaction among the Arctic States, indigenous communities, and other inhabitants, with a primary focus on addressing common Arctic challenges, particularly those related to sustainable development and environmental protection in the region. Functioning as a consensus-driven entity, the Arctic Council plays a pivotal role in addressing pressing issues such as biodiversity changes, the rapid melting of sea ice, plastic pollution, and the impact of black carbon on the Arctic environment.
The roots of the Arctic Council can be traced back to the establishment of the Arctic Environmental Protection Strategy (AEPS) in 1991, which laid the foundation for intergovernmental collaboration on environmental protection initiatives involving Arctic States such as Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Russia, and the United States. Importantly, the AEPS sought to engage and consult with Arctic indigenous communities, recognising their rights over ancestral lands.
The AEPS welcomed three Indigenous Peoples Organisations (IPOs) representing Inuit (Inuit Circumpolar Council, ICC), Saami (Saami Council, SC), and Russian indigenous peoples (Russian Association of Indigenous Peoples of the North, RAIPON) as observers. Recognising the unique relationship of indigenous peoples with the Arctic, the Arctic countries conferred the special status of permanent participants (PPs) upon these three IPOs, affording them a privileged position compared to other AEPS Observers.
The organisational structure of the Arctic Council consists of eight member states, indigenous communities, and other Arctic inhabitants. Established in 1996 by the Ottawa Declaration, the Council is mandated to safeguard the Arctic environment and enhance the economic, social, and cultural well-being of the indigenous people, whose organisations hold permanent participant status within the council.
The Arctic Council’s member states as per Ottawa Declaration, include Canada, the Kingdom of Denmark (representing Greenland and the Faroe Islands), Finland, Iceland, Norway, the Russian Federation, Sweden, and the United States of America.
Observer states included Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, United Kingdom, France, Spain, China, India, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Switzerland.
The council also comprises permanent participants, which include the Aleut International Association (AIA), Arctic Athabaskan Council (AAC), Gwich’in Council International (GCI), Inuit Circumpolar Council (ICC), Russian Association of Indigenous Peoples of the North (RAIPON), and Saami Council.
The council is open to non-Arctic states, along with inter-governmental, inter-parliamentary, global, regional and non-governmental organisations that the Council determines can contribute to its work. It is approved by the council at the ministerial meetings that occur once every two years.
The council consistently generates in-depth, state-of-the-art assessments encompassing environmental, ecological, and societal aspects, facilitated by its working groups (i) Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP); (ii) Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna (CAFF); (iii) Emergency Prevention Preparedness, and Response (EPPR); (iv) Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment (PAME); (v) Sustainable Development Working Group (SDWG); and (vi) Arctic Contaminants Action Program (ACAP).
Within the framework of the council, three significant legally binding agreements have been negotiated among the eight Arctic States.
- The initial agreement, known as the Agreement on Cooperation on Aeronautical and Maritime Search and Rescue in the Arctic, was formally endorsed during the 2011 Ministerial Meeting held in Nuuk, Greenland.
- The Agreement on Cooperation on Marine Oil Pollution Preparedness and Response in the Arctic was ratified at the 2013 Ministerial meeting in Kiruna, Sweden.
- The third pivotal accord, titled the Agreement on Enhancing International Arctic Scientific Cooperation, was officially signed during the 2017 ministerial meeting in Fairbanks, Alaska.
About India’s Arctic Policy
India’s Arctic Policy, 2022 rests on six pillars, as has been mentioned earlier. Here, we shall look at them in some details.
Science and research India’s long-standing involvement in Arctic, Antarctic, and Himalayan research positions it as a valuable contributor to Arctic science. India aims to strengthen its scientific capabilities and foster global partnerships and cooperation in Arctic research and policymaking for the following factors:
- India is dedicated to bolstering its Arctic research efforts by strengthening the Himadri research base in Ny-Alesund, Svalbard, with advanced observations and instrumentation while ensuring a year-round presence and establishing additional Arctic research stations.
- The country is actively aligning its research initiatives with the Svalbard Integrated Arctic Earth Observing System and Sustaining Arctic Observation Networks in collaboration with esteemed partners such as the Arctic Council and International Arctic Science Committee (IASC).
- India’s research agenda in the Arctic spans across diverse domains, addressing socio-economic, political, anthropological, ethnographic, and traditional knowledge aspects.
- To enhance mobility and exploration, India is acquiring a specialised ice-class Polar Research Vessel and developing indigenous vessel construction capabilities.
- Furthermore, India harnesses expertise from various polar research disciplines, including atmospheric and ocean science, glaciology, marine ecosystems, geology, geoengineering, cold biology, ecology, and biodiversity for the advancement of Arctic studies.
- Active participation in international Arctic organisations and cooperative initiatives, along with hosting Arctic-related events in India, reflect the nation’s commitment to global collaboration in understanding and preserving the Arctic environment.
India’s Space Contribution to the Arctic
India, with an advanced space programme, uses ISRO’s (RISAT) series and optical imaging for Arctic study. Indian regional navigation satellite system (IRNSS) aids Arctic maritime radar imaging satellite navigation. The NASA-ISRO synthetic aperture radar NISAR mission to be launched in 2024 will offer data for understanding climate change impacts and resource management. India’s satellite expertise can improve digital connectivity in the low-connected Arctic.
India’s Arctic engagement for remote sensing and satellite services include
- expanding remote sensing capabilities in the Arctic region.
- collaborating with Arctic nations to mutually share India’s resourcesat data for land and water management. (Resourcesat is an advanced remote sensing satellite built by ISRO.)
- developing Arctic facilities for services encompassing telecommunications, connectivity, maritime safety, navigation, search and rescue, hydrographic surveys, climate modelling, environmental monitoring, surveillance, mapping, and sustainable marine resource management.
- establishing satellite ground stations in the Arctic to maximise the utilisation of Indian satellites in polar orbits.
Climate and environmental protection India aims to conduct scientific research in the Arctic, recognising the significance of studying climate change impacts in this region to enhance global response mechanisms by
- collaborating with partners to improve Earth System modelling, thereby enhancing global weather and climate predictions.
- actively participating in research focused on ecosystem values, marine protected areas, and traditional knowledge systems to conserve Arctic biodiversity and microbial diversity.
- contributing to environmental management in the Arctic, addressing issues such as methane emissions, black carbon emissions, microplastics in the ocean, marine litter, and their adverse effects on marine mammals.
- collaborating with international partners and the Arctic Council’s Short-Lived Climate Pollutants Expert Group (SLCPEG).
- engaging with the Arctic Council’s EPPR Working Group to contribute to environmental emergencies, search and rescue operations, and addressing natural and man-made disasters and accidents in the Arctic.
- collaborating with the Arctic Council working groups on the conservation of Arctic flora and fauna and the protection of Arctic marine environment to promote knowledge exchange, nature-based solutions, and a circular economy.
- promoting the use of high environmental standards among Indian enterprises engaged in scientific and economic activities in the Arctic region, emphasising sustainable practices.
Economic and human development cooperation The following points can be mentioned:
- India seeks to engage in economic cooperation in a manner that is sustainable and is of value to the Arctic residents, including indigenous communities looking at the opportunities in different sectors where Indian enterprises can be involved.
- India’s Arctic economic development aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), emphasising sustainable business practices in accordance with the Arctic Economic Council’s principles.
- The Arctic holds vast untapped hydrocarbon and mineral reserves, including copper, phosphorus, niobium, platinum-group elements, and rare earths. India aims to assist Arctic States in evaluating these resources while conducting regular environmental and social impact assessments.
- Recognising the remoteness of Arctic regions, India sees renewable energy sources such as hydroelectricity, bioenergy, wind, solar, geothermal, and ocean energy as pivotal for sustainable development. Collaborative projects in renewable energy are explored.
- India seeks to strengthen partnerships with Arctic States for sustainable resource exploration, investment, and economic cooperation. Identifying joint exploration projects and responsible resource development opportunities is a priority.
- India seeks to establish digital partnerships with Arctic nations to promote e-commerce and technological connectivity in the region, fostering economic growth.
- There is an attempt to identify investment opportunities in Arctic infrastructure, including offshore exploration/mining, ports, railways, information and communications technology (ICT), and airports. The Indian government also intends to encourage Indian public and private sector entities with expertise in these domains to participate.
- Attempts are to encourage Indian chambers of industry and commerce to increase private investment in the Arctic, potentially through public-private partnerships. The government wants to promote Indian company membership in the Arctic Economic Council and engagement with its working groups.
- Partnerships for off-grid renewable energy, bioenergy, and clean technology promotion in the Arctic are also being explored.
- Efforts are to develop secure seed storage facilities in cryospheric regions to preserve biodiversity and enhance sustainability.
Human development India’s expertise in addressing climate change and socio-economic challenges, similar to those faced by Arctic indigenous communities, can be beneficial.
In this regard, India aims to
- share low-cost social networks and digitisation with Arctic States and supports responsible Arctic marine tourism practices, contributing to global earnings and local communities.
- elaborate with Arctic nations, sharing expertise in governing and ensuring the welfare of indigenous and other communities.
- remain committed to promoting responsible tourism practices within the Arctic region, contributing to sustainable tourism initiatives.
- leverage its pharmaceutical expertise, plans to offer healthcare services and advanced technological solutions, including telemedicine, robotics, nanotechnology, and biotechnology to support Arctic health care.
- develop partnerships in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda, Sidha, and Unani, potentially enhancing healthcare options in the Arctic.
- to facilitate interactions between indigenous communities in the Himalayas and the Arctic, promoting mutual learning and cultural exchange.
Transportation and connectivity India, ranking third in global seafarer supply, possesses maritime human resources capable of meeting the rising demands of the Arctic’s growing shipping traffic, which is expected to reach 80 million tonnes by 2024. Leveraging its well-developed hydrographic capacity, India can contribute to surveying and mapping Arctic routes, drawing on its participation in Antarctic hydrographic efforts. Additionally, India aims to participate in environmental monitoring studies to assess emissions from Polar Class ships to mitigate their impact on the pristine Arctic environment, focusing on pollutants like black carbon, nitrogen oxides, and sulphur oxides.
India aims to
- monitor environment and regulation in the Arctic region;
- collect hydrographic and oceanographic data;
- establish maritime safety facilities, including buoyage and ship reporting systems;
- do satellite coverage for vessels operating in the Arctic;
- collaborate in shipbuilding for Ice-class vessels;
- share knowledge on sustainable shipping technology aligned with IMO regulations;
- facilitate opportunities for Indian seafarers to crew Arctic transit ships;
- link the International North-South Transport Corridor with the Unified Deep-Water System and extend it to the Arctic; and
- reduce shipping costs and promote hinterland development.
Governance and international cooperation The Arctic region operates under a complex governance framework, encompassing national, bilateral, and international laws, treaties, and conventions, as well as customary laws for indigenous peoples. The Arctic Council, a high-level intergovernmental forum, focuses on environmental protection and sustainable development, supported by six working groups. Additionally, independent forums like the Arctic Economic Council promote business activities and sustainable development. Various international frameworks, including United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and environmental treaties, play a crucial role. At the regional level, agreements like the Svalbard Treaty and sector-specific legal instruments govern specific aspects. National and sub-national legislation, such as Canadian and Russian laws, further regulate activities. India’s active engagement in relevant international treaties and organisations underscores its commitment to Arctic governance.
India’s approach in the Arctic is centered on promoting security, stability, and international cooperation in line with established treaties. It upholds international law, including UNCLOS, and actively engages in climate change and environmental treaties. India also aims to increase participation in relevant organisations like the International Maritime Organisation and International Hydrographic Organisation. To bolster understanding, it focuses on Arctic-related legislation and encourages inter-governmental exchanges with Arctic nations and expert organisations.
National capacity building India is poised to enhance its Arctic engagement across various sectors, bolstering its capacities and capabilities in alignment with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat philosophy. This includes expanding Arctic-related scientific research, promoting research capacities in Indian universities, cultivating expertise in sectors such as mineral exploration and tourism, strengthening training institutions for Polar navigation, building indigenous ice-class ships, and developing institutional capacity for comprehensive Arctic studies, including legal, environmental, social, policy, and governance aspects.
Significance of Arctic Policy for India
- The Arctic region’s geopolitical importance is driven by its significant impact on global shipping routes, transforming international maritime pathways, as underscored in an analysis by the MP-IDSA.
- Recognising the far-reaching consequences of Arctic changes, India aspires to contribute constructively to ensuring stability in the region. With predictions of an ice-free Arctic by 2050 and heightened global interest in exploiting its abundant natural resources, India’s role becomes increasingly pivotal.
- India is actively pursuing the acquisition of an ice-breaker research vessel to enhance its capabilities for Arctic exploration and research. Leveraging its existing satellite network, India aims to capture more detailed images to support Arctic development initiatives.
- The Arctic’s influence on India’s monsoon patterns has sparked long-standing interest among Indian researchers, given the potential implications of climate change and melting ice caps on Arctic weather patterns.
- India’s commitment to Arctic research is demonstrated through 13 expeditions conducted since 2007 and the management of 23 active science projects. Collaborations with numerous Indian institutes and universities have resulted in nearly a hundred peer-reviewed papers addressing Arctic-related topics published since 2007.
- India’s status as an ‘Observer’ member in the Arctic Council allows it to actively participate in thematic meetings focused predominantly on research initiatives and regional cooperation.
- Beyond scientific endeavours, India identifies significant business opportunities in the Arctic. The country aims to engage responsibly in resource exploration and invest in critical infrastructure development, including offshore exploration, mining, ports, railways, information technology, and airports.
- India’s ‘Arctic Policy’ underscores its multifaceted approach, emphasising a commitment to scientific research, climate study, and active economic engagement in the Arctic region.
India’s Arctic Policy, characterised by its commitment to environmental stewardship and climate action, underscores the nation’s visionary perspective and readiness to engage in international cooperation. While the policy aims to enhance India’s Arctic presence and contribute to sustainable development in a rapidly warming region, it does so amidst complex geopolitics. The Arctic’s sensitivity as a geopolitical arena and the evolving dynamics of major power rivalry poses considerable challenges. India’s approach emphasises multilateral, rule-based governance, but it will need to efficiently navigate the intricate interplay of science diplomacy, and multilateral engagements in this ever-evolving context. As global turbulence persists, India’s Arctic Policy remains a testament to its dedication to the collective well-being and environmental protection.
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