Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh released India’s new Arctic Policy titled ‘India and the Arctic: building a partnership for sustainable development’ last week. Thawing of ice in the Arctic is not only a portentous indicator of Climate Change, but it also has bearing for all countries.
India’s new Arctic policy rests on six pillars and they are:
1. Science and Research:
As a country that has been involved in scientific research in the Arctic, Antarctic and the Himalayas for several decades, India has much to contribute to the scientific study and understanding of the Arctic. India will further strengthen its capabilities in the area of scientific research and build partnerships and bridges of cooperation with research institutions across the globe. It will actively participate in global research projects, science-policy dialogues and decision-making processes.
The objective is to channelize and harness existing expertise from polar research in disciplines such as atmospheric and ocean science, glaciology, marine ecosystems research including fisheries, geology and geophysics, geoengineering, polar infrastructure, cold biology, ecology, biodiversity and microbial diversity studies for advancement of Arctic studies.
2. Climate and Environment Protection:
Climate change is an urgent and an existential global challenge. Studying the impact of climate change in the Arctic can improve response mechanisms in other parts of the globe. The atmosphere in the Arctic and the Indian Ocean is warming faster, which is why it is imperative to understand causative mechanisms of such warming and predict outcomes.
The objective is to engage with partners to improve Earth System modelling to support weather and climate protections of the globe, to participate in research on ecosystem values, marine protected areas and traditional knowledge systems to preserve Arctic biodiversity and microbial diversity. To contribute towards environmental management in the Arctic- methane emissions from anthropogenic and permafrost sources, black carbon emission, micro-plastics in the ocean, marine litter, adverse effects on marine mammals; and to promote the use of high environmental standards by Indian enterprises while engaging in scientific and economic activities in the region.
3. Economic and Human Development:
Economic activity in the Arctic region must rest on the creation of robust and effective mechanisms that promote responsible business activities based on the three pillars of sustainable development- environmental, economic and social.
India seeks to collaborate with Arctic States to strengthen partnerships in sustainable living and non-living resource exploration in the Arctic. Opportunities need to be mapped and potential projects for joint explorations identified.
Specialized cultures and traditional livelihoods of the Arctic’s indigenous peoples are being inexorably impacted by climate change as well as economic development and improved connectivity.
The objective is to encourage Indian participation in sustainable tourism in the Arctic as well as to undertake cultural and educational exchanges between the indigenous communities of the glacial regions of the Himalayas and the Arctic.
4. Transportation and Connectivity
Ice-free conditions in the Arctic are resulting in the opening of new shipping routes which could potentially reshape global trade. Traffic, especially through the Northern Sea Route, is rising exponentially and is projected to rise to 80 million tons by 2024. Arctic navigation needs specific hydrographic and meteorological data, communication coverage, seasonal mapping of ice-free channels, ships of Ice-class standards and trained polar shipping crewing in accordance with the Polar Code.
The objective is to participate in environmental monitoring and regulation, collection of hydrographic and oceanographic data, creation of maritime safety facilities and satellite coverage vessels operating in the region.
5. Governance and International Cooperation
The objective is to promote security and stability in the Arctic region in accordance with international treaties and covenants; to actively participate in international climate change and environmental treaty frameworks relating to the Arctic; and to promote inter-governmental and other exchanges with Arctic nations and expert bodies and organizations.
6. National Capacity Building
India plans to enhance its capabilities and augment its capacities with the Arctic, from science and exploration to seafaring and economic cooperation, which will be supported by the development of a robust human, institutional and financial base to make India self-reliant (Atmanirbhar Bharat).
