Strategic Imperatives in India’s Polar Policy: Addressing Capability Gaps in the Arctic

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs has unveiled a comprehensive evaluation of India’s engagement with the Earth’s polar regions. While India has maintained a robust presence in the Antarctic for decades, the report underscores a growing necessity to recalibrate its Arctic strategy. As the Arctic becomes a focal point of global climate change and geopolitical competition, the committee has identified significant capability gaps that currently hinder India’s ability to project influence and conduct high-level scientific research in the High North. Historically, India’s polar policy has been driven by scientific exploration and environmental monitoring. However, the committee’s findings suggest that the current framework is insufficient to address the evolving complexities of the Arctic. Key areas of concern include the lack of specialized ice-class research vessels, limited indigenous infrastructure for year-round operations, and a need for more robust diplomatic maneuvering within the Arctic Council and other multilateral forums. The melting of Arctic ice caps is not merely an environmental concern; it is a geopolitical shift that impacts global trade routes, resource accessibility, and climate stability in the Indian subcontinent.