India releases Draft Arctic Policy for public review

NewsBharati    07-Jan-2021 16:27:10 PM
Total Views |
New Delhi, Jan 7: Government of India has recently released the Draft Arctic Policy which ensures that the Arctic resources are explored and used sustain-ably. Under the policy, India will make sure that it abides by the rules and regulations of Arctic Council. Science and Research, Economic and Human Development, Transportation and Connectivity, National Capacity building, and Governance and International Cooperation are the main five pillars of Arctic Policy. India became the observer of Arctic Council in 2013 and its membership as an observer was renewed in 2018 for another five years.
 
Arctic_1  H x W
 
The Draft Arctic Policy document states “India seeks to play a constructive role in the Arctic by leveraging its vast scientific pool and expertise in Himalayan and Polar research. India would also like to contribute in ensuring that as the Arctic becomes more accessible, the harnessing of its resources is done sustain-ably and in consonance with best practices formulated by bodies such as the Arctic Council.”
 
India believes that any human activity in this fragile region should be sustainable, responsible, and transparent with respect for international laws, including UNCLOS [United Nations Convention for the Law of the Sea]. India, therefore, looks forward to increasing its engagement with this vital region and its governing bodies as a responsible partner. 
 
 
China, on the other hand, describes itself as a 'Near-Arctic state' and had published an Arctic Policy white paper in Jan 2018. The document whose accent on geopolitics is significantly more pronounced than the draft version recently released by India. China has also linked its involvement with the region to the Belt and Road Initiative. Both China and Russia view the Arctic as a significant point from where they can project power farther in eastern or western Eurasia. In such circumstances, India's Draft Arctic Policy becomes a significant initiative.
 
The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research that operates under the Ministry of Earth Sciences will serve as the nodal agency in implementing the Arctic Policy. The policy envisages to connect the Arctic residents, especially the indigenous communities with those living in the Himalayan regions. The policy aims to create opportunities where the Indian enterprises can be involved to become part of the international commerce businesses and promote traditional indigenous knowledge.
 
 
India signed the Svalbard Treaty in Paris. The treaty allowed free access to the Arctic region along with the commitment of not militarizing it. India launched its first scientific expedition to Arctic in 2007. In 2008, India established a research base called Himadri at Ny Alesund, Svalbard, Norway. In 2014, India deployed IndArc. It is a multisensory observatory in Kongsfjorden. In 2016, India set up Gruvebadet Atmospheric Laboratry at Ny Alesund, Svalbard.
 
The Arctic Policy has been synchronised and adapted to the Goal 11 of Sustainable Development Goals. The Goal 11 of SDG is “Sustainable cities and Communities”. The Indian draft Arctic Policy will be open for public comments till January 26.