India’s traditional strategic focus, long centered on the Himalayas and the Indian Ocean, is facing a new imperative as the Arctic and Antarctic become central to global climate and geopolitical shifts. A recent report by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs has identified a critical gap in the nation's approach, labeling current efforts toward the polar regions as inadequate. The committee has formally recommended that New Delhi appoint a polar ambassador and establish a dedicated Polar Affairs Desk within the Ministry of External Affairs to bolster its diplomatic standing and institutional capacity.
While India has maintained a long-standing scientific presence in the polar regions—launching the Indian Antarctic Program in 1981 and operating research stations like Maitri, which was captured in a helicopter flyover on Feb. 2, 2005, Bharti, and the decommissioned Dakshin Gangotri—experts argue this scientific footprint is no longer enough. Since the establishment of the Himadri station in Svalbard in 2008, the opening of the IndARC observatory in 2014, and the adoption of its Arctic policy in 2022, India has gained scientific credibility, yet it lacks the specialized diplomatic architecture employed by other Arctic Council observer states. The committee suggests that the polar regions must be treated as a strategic priority rather than a niche scientific domain.
The urgency for a comprehensive strategy is driven by three primary factors: climate security, maritime connectivity, and geoeconomics. Climate research, including studies from the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, indicates that Arctic ice loss is significantly impacting Indian monsoons and weather patterns, threatening agriculture and water management. Furthermore, the melting of the global cryosphere poses a direct risk to India’s 11,000 kilometers of coastline. Beyond environmental concerns, the potential navigability of the Northern Sea Route—where more than 90 percent of India’s merchandise trade by volume is transported by sea—and the abundance of critical minerals and resources in the poles make engagement essential for India’s economic and supply chain security.
Geopolitically, the Arctic has evolved into an arena of intense competition, with nations like Russia and China actively pursuing interests through military expansion and initiatives like the Polar Silk Road, which gained momentum around 2018. While India does not seek territorial or resource-based competition, it must ensure its voice is heard in international forums to uphold a rule-based order. By leveraging its history as a leading voice for the Global South, India is uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between developed and developing nations in polar governance, advocating for climate justice and sustainable stewardship in the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbkam.
