India’s Arctic Research Initiatives
The Ministry of Earth Sciences in India, through its autonomous institute, the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) in Goa, has been at the forefront of Arctic research. This initiative includes organizing Indian Arctic expeditions and managing the Indian Arctic Research Station, Himadri. Since the inception of these programs, India has successfully conducted 15 scientific expeditions to the Arctic. These expeditions involve a diverse group of academicians, scientists, and researchers from various institutions. The primary goal is to explore the complex interactions between Arctic ice melt and the Indian monsoon, among other critical environmental issues.
Understanding Arctic Research and Its Importance
The Arctic region is undergoing significant changes due to climate change. As ice melts, it affects global weather patterns, including the Indian monsoon. Indian scientists have been actively involved in various atmospheric and oceanic measurements to study these connections. They have deployed a mooring system, known as IND-Arc, in Kongsfjorden to gather data on oceanic parameters. This research aims to understand the causes and changes in atmospheric and oceanic properties resulting from melting Arctic ice.
The multidisciplinary nature of these expeditions allows for a comprehensive approach to studying the Arctic. Collaborations with international organizations, such as the Norwegian Polar Institute and the Korean Polar Research Institute, have enriched the research. Indian scientists have participated in several scientific cruises to the Arctic Ocean, focusing on the biophysical processes involved in sea ice melting. This collaborative effort enhances the understanding of the Arctic’s impact on global climate systems.
Recent Expeditions and Findings
In 2023 and 2024, Indian scientists conducted fieldwork in the Canadian High Arctic. This research focused on permafrost, which may serve as a reservoir for significant human health microbes. Understanding these microbes is crucial as they can have implications for public health in a warming world. The findings from these expeditions contribute to a growing body of knowledge, with over 200 scientific research publications and numerous Ph.D. theses emerging from the Indian Arctic Program.
The research conducted in the Arctic is not only vital for understanding climate change but also for its potential effects on the Himalayas. Both regions are climatically sensitive and are experiencing adverse effects from global warming. Studies indicate that changes in Arctic sea ice and temperatures are linked to disruptions in the Indian monsoon, which can impact precipitation and snowfall in the Himalayas. This interconnectedness highlights the importance of Arctic research for India and the broader global community.
India’s Arctic Policy and Future Directions
India’s engagement with the Arctic is guided by a comprehensive policy document titled “India and the Arctic: Building a Partnership for Sustainable Development,” unveiled on March 17, 2022. This policy outlines six key pillars: strengthening scientific research, climate and environmental protection, economic and human development, transportation and connectivity, governance and international cooperation, and national capacity building in the Arctic region.
The implementation of this policy is overseen by an inter-ministerial Empowered Arctic Policy Group. To further enhance scientific interests in the Arctic, India has initiated regular winter expeditions in the Norwegian Arctic since December 2023. The Indian research station, Himadri, is now occupied for over 300 days a year, facilitating ongoing scientific research and operations.
The total funding allocated for Arctic research over the past five years amounts to approximately Rs. 39.00 crores. This investment underscores India’s commitment to understanding the Arctic’s role in global climate dynamics and its implications for the Indian subcontinent. As the world faces the challenges of climate change, India’s Arctic research initiatives will play a crucial role in shaping future policies and scientific understanding.
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