India’s Arctic Policy: The Historical Context

Abstract

India released its Arctic Policy in March 2022, a long-awaited document by one of the four Observer countries to the Arctic Council indicating India's realisation of the significance of the Arctic. This article examines the evolution of India's Arctic engagement through a historical analysis of India's Arctic dis-course. Apart from enunciating the scientific and political endeavours to date, the article traces the historical evolution of India's Arctic dialogue by political, strategic and academic experts and the process of India's engagement in the region. The objective of the article is to trace the historical context of India's Arctic policy. The article's analysis of India's recently published Arctic policy suggests that India's cooperation with Arctic council countries needs to be expanded, and it also must build up on its Arctic expertise by forging links with scientific institutions and universities across the Arctic. The practical significance of the article is in its use by policymakers and researchers interested in cooperation with India in the Arctic and for academic use at universities.

Keywords

• arctic
• india
• arctic policy
• scientific research
• cooperation