WhatsApp Channel Join Now
Telegram Group Join Now

Relevance: GS-II (International Relations); GS-III (Environment & Climate Change) Source: Parliamentary Committee Report, August 2026

1 · Context

Why should a farmer in Punjab or a policymaker in Delhi care about the melting ice thousands of miles away in the Arctic? Scientific evidence shows a direct link: rapid warming at the North Pole severely disrupts the Indian monsoon, the ultimate lifeline for our agriculture and economy.
Recently, a Parliamentary Committee raised a massive red flag. While India has strong historical ties to the region and a formal “Arctic Policy” on paper, our actual on-the-ground capabilities are severely lacking. We are spending very little money and do not even own a specialized ice-breaker ship for research. This highlights a critical gap between our diplomatic ambitions and real-world geopolitical strength, especially as rivals like China aggressively expand their Arctic footprint.

2 · India’s Arctic Journey

Step 1: The Historic Connection
India’s ties began over a century ago with the 1920 Svalbard Treaty. Fast forward to 2008, we proudly established ‘Himadri’, our permanent Arctic research station.
▼
Step 2: The Monsoon Link
Research confirmed the “Arctic-Indian monsoon teleconnection.” Simply put, melting Arctic ice directly changes global wind patterns, threatening India’s crucial rainfall.
▼
Step 3: The Capability Gap
Despite the high stakes, India severely lacks resources. We have no ‘Polar Research Vessel’ (icebreaker ship) of our own, making us entirely dependent on foreign help.
▼
Step 4: The Urgent Fix
To protect our climate and compete geopolitically, Parliament has strongly advised the government to massively increase the Arctic budget and appoint a dedicated ‘Polar Ambassador’.

3 · Key Geopolitical Dynamics

Himadri Station
Our Northern Outpost
Located in Svalbard, Norway since 2008. India is one of only two developing nations (along with China) to maintain a permanent scientific base in the Arctic region.
Polar Research Vessel (PRV)
The Missing Icebreaker
A specialized ship capable of cutting through thick sea ice. India desperately needs its own PRV so our scientists don’t have to constantly rent foreign ships.
NCPOR
The Central Agency
The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research is the apex government institution tasked with organizing and coordinating all of India’s research in both the Arctic and Antarctic.
The Chinese Threat
The Polar Silk Road
While India’s Arctic funding remains abysmally low, China is aggressively pouring billions into building infrastructure and indigenous icebreakers to dominate new global shipping lanes.

Quick Facts: Policies & Milestones
Svalbard Treaty (1920) India signed this historical treaty over a century ago, granting Indians the rare legal right to visit the Svalbard archipelago without a visa and engage in commercial work.
Arctic Council Status India is not a core member of the Arctic Council (which is reserved for nations with Arctic territory), but was officially granted vital “Observer” status in 2013.
Arctic Policy (2022) Released by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, this official policy rests on six pillars, aiming to strategically broaden India’s engagement beyond pure science into economic cooperation.
The Funding Crisis India spent a shockingly low ₹17.53 crore on Arctic activities recently—less than one-tenth of its Antarctic budget—acting as a major roadblock for our geopolitical ambitions.

MCQ Practice Question
Q. With reference to India’s engagement in the Arctic region, consider the following statements:

  1. India is one of the founding members of the Arctic Council.
  2. ‘Himadri’ is India’s first permanent scientific research station located in the Arctic region.
  3. The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) is the nodal agency coordinating India’s polar programs.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only    (b) 2 and 3 only    (c) 1 and 3 only    (d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only

  • Statement 1 — Incorrect (the trap): India is not a founding member. The Arctic Council consists only of the eight states with territory in the Arctic. India was merely granted Observer status in 2013.
  • Statement 2 — Correct: ‘Himadri’ was successfully commissioned in 2008 in Svalbard, Norway, serving as India’s permanent and vital Arctic base.
  • Statement 3 — Correct: NCPOR, which operates under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, is indeed the apex body managing all of India’s research in both the Arctic and Antarctic regions.
Ajmal IAS APSC Foundation Course

Recent Posts

Ajmal IAS APSC Foundation BATCH
Ajmal IAS APSC Foundation Course

Start Yours at Ajmal IAS – with Mentorship StrategyDisciplineClarityResults that Drives Success

Your dream deserves this moment — begin it here.