India Enhances Arctic Engagement amid Geopolitical Tensions

On 30th August, 2024, India announced that it intensifying its involvement in the Arctic region to safeguard its interests amidst rising geopolitical tensions among Arctic States.

Chairperson of the National Security Advisory Board, emphasized India’s need to protect its economic, ecological, and connectivity interests in the Arctic.
He highlighted the geopolitical polarisation caused by China’s increasing influence and participation in Arctic infrastructure projects.
The Arctic States, including Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and the US, implement policies through the Arctic Council, of which India has been an observer since 2013.
India’s Arctic Policy, published in 2022, signifies a new phase in its engagement with the region, beyond just scientific research.
The Polar Dialogue, a two-day event organized by the Ministry of External Affairs and the National Institute of Advanced Studies, serves as a platform for discussions on Arctic politics and science.
M Ravichandran, Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, discussed the link between Arctic warming—three to four times the global average—and the patterns of the Indian monsoon.
The second day of the Polar Dialogue will feature expert discussions on climate change, polar Regions, and India’s roadmap for Arctic engagement.