India's Arctic Policy to study climate change, links between Himalaya, polar regions
India Today
India is one of the 13 countries holding the observer status in the Arctic Council, a high-level intergovernmental forum that addresses issues faced by the Arctic governments and the indigenous people of the region.
The policy, titled "India and the Arctic: building a partnership for sustainable development" lays down six pillars -- strengthening scientific research and cooperation, climate and environmental protection, economic and human development, transportation and connectivity, governance and international cooperation, and national capacity building in the Arctic region.
The policy was unveiled by Earth Sciences Minister Jitendra Singh.
India is one of the 13 countries holding the observer status in the Arctic Council, a high-level intergovernmental forum that addresses issues faced by the Arctic governments and the indigenous people of the region.
The region holds immense geopolitical importance as the Arctic is projected to be ice-free by 2050 and world powers are making a beeline to exploit the region rich in natural resources.
Besides metals and minerals, the region is also known to have huge oil reserves and is expected to emerge as a key sea transport lane in the future.
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India maintains that all human activity in the region should be sustainable, responsible, transparent and based on respect for international laws.
