External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar emphasised the Arctic's global significance and India's growing involvement in the region during the Arctic Circle India Forum 2025

Polar Area

It is an expansive and varied area covering 24 time zones, eight nations, and three continents, featuring different climate conditions, levels of development, and cultural environments.

It encompasses areas without ice, such as certain regions of Norway and Northwest Russia, as well as ice-covered areas like Alaska and Canada.

It was previously an area for scientific collaboration and environmental conservation, and is now evolving into a battleground for military and geopolitical rivalry because of increasing worldwide interest.

India's approach to the Arctic

It started with a scientific emphasis and has developed since the early 2020s to include wider geopolitical factors.

India has had a presence in the Arctic since 2008, following the establishment of the Himadri research station in Svalbard.

In 2022, it solidified its goals with the introduction of an Arctic Policy.

This transition was prompted by alterations in the global security landscape, notably the worsening ties between Russia and the West, along with China’s increasing Arctic collaboration with Russia.

India’s Arctic Policy from 2022 highlights climate science, environmental conservation, and sustainable development, stressing the Arctic’s impact on water security and monsoon patterns in South Asia.

Recommendations and Future Directions

India's involvement in the Arctic is changing as it maneuvers through intricate geopolitical factors.

India's engagement can enhance its global standing and foster better ties with Nordic nations.

India must align its Arctic aspirations with its stance on Russia's current military actions in Europe.

India ought to enhance relations with Europe, particularly the Nordic countries, emphasizing collaborative efforts in infrastructure, digitalization, and environmental conservation.

India ought to embrace a more strategic approach to the Arctic, emphasizing engagement beyond scientific endeavors, bolstering relationships with aligned Arctic nations, and pursuing involvement in newly forming Arctic governance platforms.