Indian Council of World Affairs

In an era of shifting geopolitical dynamics and escalating environmental distress, Polar diplomacy is gaining greater importance. For countries like India, focus on polar areas is beneficial not only for its own scientific, economic and geopolitical interests but also for worldwide efforts to mitigate climate change, conserve the environment and foster international collaboration. This study traces the trajectory of Indian Polar diplomacy by looking into what it hopes to achieve, how it achieves it and what impact it has. 

India’s Polar Diplomacy 

Polar diplomacy generally refers to the endeavours and initiatives nations engage in within the Arctic and Antarctic regions. These include resource exploration, environmental protection, and scientific research and management systems. In the Indian context, Polar diplomacy comprises strategic efforts made by India in association with other countries to safeguard its interests on these two poles. Though having no territorial claims, the government has realised the importance of geopolitics and the economy around the Arctic and Antarctic regions. Different factors have influenced India’s Polar diplomacy, including rapid economic growth, increased demand for energy and the global warming issue. India actively involves itself in various platforms, like the Arctic Council and the Antarctic Treaty System (ATS), for scientific research promotion while also contributing towards the conservation of the environment locally and internationally. Prioritising polar areas allows India to strengthen its bilateral and multilateral relationships with other countries and enables India to drive global agendas, enhancing its place on the global stage. 

Antarctica 

India's focus on Antarctica began during the International Geophysical Year of 1957–1958, which was a blueprint for expeditions to the southernmost continent. Due to geopolitical disputes and existing territorial claims, the issue of Antarctica was brought before the United Nations General Assembly in 1956. Ambassador Arthur S. Lall, India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, proposed that the issue of Antarctica be included on the Assembly's provisional agenda. Since then, India has shown its commitment to Antarctica issue and to building international cooperation by actively participating in several Antarctic initiatives. India joined the ATS in 1983 with two significant declarations that – India did not recognise the existing territorial claims and sought to project Third World opinions in the ATS. The foundation for India's Antarctic missions was set in 1981 with ‘Operation Gangotri’, under the leadership of then Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi. This pioneering expedition, led by Dr S. Z. Qasim, marked India's first-ever journey into a frozen continent[i]. The primary purpose of Operation Gangotri was to create India's first permanent research station in Antarctica and to demonstrate to the world that India is not behind any other nation. 

Since the signing of the Antarctic Treaty and India's first expedition, India has maintained a policy of participating in Antarctic activities. India initially held the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) in 2007 and will again be holding it in Kochi in May 2024. With the enactment of the India Antarctic Act in 2022, India reaffirmed its commitment to responsible governance in Antarctica and to give enough priority to scientific research on the continent. India has conducted 42 successful scientific expeditions to date, and the 43rd expedition is presently under progress. Interestingly, for the first time, scientists from Mauritius and Bangladesh participated in its 43rd expedition, demonstrating India's dedication to promoting inclusion and diversity in polar research projects.[ii]

In recent years, India's policy in Antarctica has shifted towards fostering greater collaboration and partnerships with other nations involved in polar research. Recognising the importance of collective efforts in addressing complex scientific challenges, India has also actively engaged in multilateral initiatives such as the BRICS working group on ocean and polar science technology. With the BRICS nations, India sought scientific collaboration, exchanged expertise, leveraged resources and addressed environmental challenges, aligning with national interests and global agendas. Furthermore, India is a member of the Asian Forum for Polar Sciences, a non-governmental organisation encouraging cooperation among Asian nations in advancing polar sciences. In 2022, India had discussions with the representatives of its member nations, as well as observers from Indonesia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Vietnam. 

This Forum has provided India with a platform to collaborate in the following areas:

• Resource and knowledge exchange
• Cooperative research project facilitation
• Common polar exploration issues resolution[iii]

Apart from spearheading scientific research initiatives in Antarctica, India is also intensifying its focus on environmental aspects and fostering greater collaboration with international partners. India, the United Kingdom and Norway organised a workshop in 2019, concentrating on deep ice core drilling initiatives in Antarctica to enhance the scope of science in the Antarctic region. India also made efforts with Norway in the same year to tackle environmental issues via cooperative research on the study of plastic contamination in Antarctica.[iv] Furthermore, platforms like the International Conference on Antarctic Research (ICAR), which brought scientists from Australia, China, Russia and India together to discuss fieldwork techniques, research findings and opportunities for cooperation, further support the collaboration of the Indian scientific community in Antarctica. The most recent ICAR 2020, which took place in Bharati station, offered a platform for sharing knowledge and encouraging collaboration among the nations.[v]

India's resolute commitment to fostering collaboration and expanding its Polar diplomacy is evidenced through its active engagement in international forums aimed at environmental conservation and sustainable resource management in Antarctica. As a signatory to the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty, a member of the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research and the Commission for Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources exemplifies India's proactive approach towards diplomatic engagement in polar affairs and its dedication to upholding environmental stewardship principles on a global scale. 

Highlighting the pivotal role of diplomatic engagement in fostering scientific and logistical collaboration in Antarctica, an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between India and Argentina in 2019, emphasising the significance of diplomatic interaction in promoting scientific and logistical cooperation in Antarctica.[vi] During the ATCM in Prague in 2019, Argentina and India strengthened their collaboration, showcasing a shared commitment to promote polar research and environmental conservation. Earlier an MoU was signed in 2017 between the Swedish Institute of Space Physics, National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), and Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) to extend collaborative studies in atmospheric sciences in Antarctica. Focused on comprehending the Antarctic climate system and climate change, it entails joint research, measurement activities with MARA radar, and coordinated campaigns with radars in Arctic and Tropical regions. 

Arctic 

India’s involvement with the Arctic began in the early 20th century with the signing of the Svalbard Treaty in 1920.[vii] This Treaty laid the foundation for international cooperation and scientific research in the Arctic for India. India’s involvement in the Arctic region has received substantial attention, especially in its interactions with other Arctic parties, most notably Russia, given Russia’s critical position as one of the primary holders of Arctic resources, India has strategically prioritised Arctic cooperation with Russia on its agenda of scientific research and environmental cooperation. Furthermore, India’s proactive approach to Arctic matters is shown by India becoming an observer in the Arctic Council since 2013, along with four other Asian countries. India has been involved in significant committees, like the Ny-Ålesund Science Managers Committee and the International Arctic Science Committee, since 2008, demonstrating its commitment to Arctic research and collaboration. 

India’s participation in Arctic affairs has changed considerably over the years, culminating in its active involvement in scientific investigations and research programmes. One thing worth mentioning about India’s participation in the Arctic is that it is firmly based on science across different fields. India has been actively studying Arctic oceanography, atmosphere, pollution and microbiology. More than 25 institutes and universities from India are conducting studies on the Arctic region, which shows their commitment to advancing knowledge through science around this part of the world.[viii]

India’s relationship with other Arctic nations, including Canada, Norway and Iceland, has become its most significant accomplishment; however, it still relies heavily on Russia for support. In addition, Indian institutions signed an MoU on polar knowledge with the Arctic University of Norway, further expanding its Arctic involvement.[ix]

India’s presence in the Arctic reflects its commitment to science, environmental protection and global cooperation. It strives to be a significant player in the sustainable development of this fragile area by initiating strategies, building infrastructure and working with others, all of which contribute to worldwide scientific activities. 

Challenges and Opportunities for India 

Despite India’s active involvement in Polar diplomacy, the country faces several challenges in the Arctic and Antarctic regions. In the Arctic, geopolitical conflicts, resource rivalry and environmental degradation create obstacles to collaboration and eco-friendly practices. India should deal with these issues while pushing for balanced economic growth and sustainable exploitation of resources. 

In Antarctica, logistical problems, harsh weather conditions, remote areas and a lack of infrastructure affect scientific research expeditions by Indian scientists. This will necessitate strategic investments in logistics support, infrastructure development and technological advancement to enhance India's capability for exploration and research in Antarctica. 

Nevertheless, India has substantial possibility to enhance its role in Polar diplomacy. In the Arctic Ocean, ice melting allows India to seek alternative trade routes, such as the North Sea Route, to lessen shipping charges and increase ties with Europe and Asia. Additionally, India’s know-how in renewable energy and environmental technologies makes it an essential ally for Arctic states searching for green ways to mitigate climate change and other ecological crises. 

The Way Forward 

To enhance its position in Polar diplomacy, India should follow a multi-layered approach that integrates scientific research with international relations and is sustainable. First, India should continue prioritising cooperation in scientific matters, environmental conservation and governance issues within the Arctic and Antarctic regions. This implies forming alliances with the Arctic and Antarctic states, encouraging international cooperation and calling for environment-friendly economic practices. 

Secondly, India should consider strengthening its logistical capabilities and infrastructure in Antarctica to support scientific expeditions and operations. For example, it should develop indigenous ice breakers, upgrade its research stations or even improve transportation systems that scientists can use to access remote parts of Antarctica. 

Thirdly, India must actively engage in diplomatic initiatives targeted at emerging challenges and opportunities for polar governance. This entails its participation in Arctic Council meetings and ATCMs for improved governance mechanisms and climate change mitigation cooperation, among others related to environmental preservation efforts. 

Lastly, policy research in the polar regions requires multidisciplinary cooperation between academia and think tanks. By combining varied knowledge, we may thoroughly understand the polar regions’ scientific aspects and geostrategic dynamics. 

Conclusion 

India’s Polar diplomacy is growing because of its commitment to research, conservation and collaborative international efforts. In the future, it can be pivotal in the governance of the poles and facilitating global programmes towards climate change resilience and sustainability by addressing problems and exploiting opportunities in the Arctic and Antarctic. India could significantly influence the polar governance trajectory and worldwide actions towards climate resilience and sustainability by surmounting barriers and capitalising on new opportunities in the Arctic and Antarctica. Development cannot be sustainable unless peace and security are maintained through strategic investments and diplomatic engagements that lead to lasting partnerships involving India.

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*Keshav Verma, Research Associate, Indian Council of World Affairs, New Delhi.
Disclaimer: Views expressed are personal.

Endnotes

^[i]Amit Agnihotri, "Meet the First Indian to Set Foot on Antarctica," Times of India, 2022.https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/meet-the-first-indian-to-set-foot-on-antarctica/articleshow/29091345.cms.

[ii]Priyanka Kakodkar. “India to Host 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting.” The Times of India. 2024. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-to-host-46th-antarctic-treaty-consultative-meeting/articleshow/109791546.cms.

[iii] National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research. Annual Report 2019–20. 2020. https://ncpor.res.in/upload/annualreports/AR_Eng_2019-20.PDF.

[iv]Ibid.

[v]Ibid.

[vi]Press Information Bureau. “Cabinet Apprised about MoU on Antarctic Cooperation between India and Argentine.” 2019. https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=189561.

[vii]Anjali Marar. "India Set to Man Its Arctic Base around the Year with New Expedition: Here’s Why." Indian, 2023. https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-sci-tech/india-arctic-year-round-manning-expedition-9072693/.

[viii] Claudia Chia and Haiqi Zheng. "India Officially Ventures into the Arctic." ISAS Brief, 2022. https://www.isas.nus.edu.sg/papers/india-officially-ventures-into-the-arctic/.

^[ix]The Print. “Arctic University of Norway Expands Collaboration with Indian Institutions, Signs 6 MoUs.” 2024. https://theprint.in/world/arctic-university-of-norway-expands-collaboration-with-indian-institutions-signs-6-mous/2058872/.