Context: India begins its 1st winter expedition to the Ny-Alesund research base in Svalbard, Norway. 

• The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) has a research station, Himadri. 

• The expedition will collect data on atmospheric processes, aurora borealis, atmospheric electricity, and space physics studies.

About winter expedition to Arctic

• The Ny-Alesund research base in Svalbard, Norway, hosts the research station Himadri, operated by the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) from India.

• Winter expedition is conducted for the first time to carry out experiments that could not be conducted during the summer.

• The expedition aims to conduct experiments during the winter to gather data on atmospheric processes, including the aurora borealis (northern lights), atmospheric electricity, and other space physics studies.

• With the Arctic witnessing significant warming, the research aims to bridge knowledge gaps by collecting data throughout the year, addressing the impact of dramatic Arctic climate changes globally.

• Climate experts have found that on average, temperatures in the Arctic region have risen by 4°C over the last 100 years.

• Arctic sea ice, formed by the freezing of seawater, is declining at a rate of 13% per decade.

• The study of the Arctic region, particularly Arctic sea ice, is crucial for understanding its impact on global climate patterns, including the Indian monsoons and tropical climate variations.

• The Norwegian government is providing logistical and research support during the Arctic winter, a period characterized by extended darkness above the Arctic Circle.

• Above the Arctic circle, the sun remains below the horizon, leaving the region dark and cold.

India's Arctic policy

• India's Arctic policy is titled 'India and the Arctic: Building a Partnership for Sustainable Development'.

• The policy aims to prepare India for addressing global challenges collectively, especially in the context of climate change.

• The policy promotes a sustainable and transparent approach, respecting international laws.

Implementation

• The Arctic policy will be implemented through an action plan, guided by effective governance and a review mechanism led by the inter-ministerial Empowered Arctic Policy Group.

• Multiple stakeholders, including academia, research, business, and industry, will be involved in the implementation process.

Historical Engagement and Scientific Studies

• India's engagement with the Arctic dates back to the signing of the 'Svalbard Treaty' in 1920 in Paris.

• The policy acknowledges India's significant scientific contributions to Arctic research, including monitoring glaciers, oceanography, atmosphere, pollution, and microbiology.

6 pillars of India's Arctic policy

1. Strengthening scientific research and cooperation.

2. Climate and environmental protection.

3. Economic and human development.

4. Transportation and connectivity.

5. Governance and international cooperation.

6. National capacity building in the Arctic region.

Agenda of India's Arctic Policy

• Strengthening national capabilities and competencies in science and exploration, climate and environmental protection, maritime and economic cooperation with the Arctic region.

• Institutional and human resource capacities will be strengthened within Government and academic, research and business institutions.

• Inter-ministerial coordination in pursuit of India's interests in the Arctic.

• Enhancing understanding of the impact of climate change in the Arctic on India's climate, economic, and energy security.

• Contributing better analysis, prediction, and coordinated policymaking on the implications of ice melting in the Arctic on India's economic, military and strategic interests related to global shipping routes, energy security, and exploitation of mineral wealth.

• Studying linkages between polar regions and the Himalayas.

• Deepen cooperation between India and countries of the Arctic region under various Arctic forums, drawing expertise from scientific and traditional knowledge.

• Increase India’s participation in the Arctic Council and improve understanding of the complex governance structures in the Arctic, relevant international laws, and geopolitics of the region.

National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR)

• The NCPOR in Goa, an autonomous institute under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, is the nodal institution for India’s Polar research programme, which includes Arctic studies.

India’s Involvement in Artic region

• India has participated actively in Arctic research and exploration.

• It is an observer nation in the Arctic Council (13 observers), alongside other nations like France, Germany, Italy, Japan, China, and more.

• Arctic Council is a high-level intergovernmental forum that addresses issues faced by the Arctic governments and the indigenous people of the Arctic.

• In 2014 and 2016, India established its first multi-sensor moored observatory in Kongsfjorden and the northernmost atmospheric laboratory in Gruvebadet, Ny Alesund.

• As of 2022, India has conducted thirteen expeditions to the Arctic, contributing to scientific research in the region.