Arctic Cold Front: India's Policy Faces Capability Gap

India's role in the Arctic and Antarctic regions is under scrutiny following a recent parliamentary report, released shortly after the 2022 Arctic Policy. This report emphasizes the escalating strategic importance of the Arctic, where climate change and geopolitics intersect. It questions India's narrative on the Arctic, noting the country's historical treaty rights and its status as one of two developing nations with a permanent scientific base, Himadri, in Svalbard.

The report identifies climate security as a primary concern, linking rapid Arctic warming and declining sea ice to India's monsoon patterns, which are crucial for its agriculture and food security. Sea-level rise, exacerbated by Arctic changes, also poses an existential threat to low-lying nations and vulnerable coastal areas in South Asia, creating potential national security challenges for India.

Geopolitically, the Arctic is a nexus of major powers, with significant implications for maritime access, energy, and critical minerals. India's engagement with Arctic nations, including key strategic partners like the US and Russia, is noted, alongside China's extensive investments in the region. The report recommends a dedicated Polar Ambassador to streamline India's fragmented Arctic affairs and coordinate inter-ministerial efforts.

Furthermore, the lack of an ice-class research vessel hampers India's research capabilities, with plans for an indigenous vessel only expected by the end of the decade. The committee highlights the stark underfunding of India's Arctic activities, with spending in 2024-25 being a fraction of its Antarctica expenditure. This financial shortfall contrasts sharply with the region's growing importance to India's future.