- Winter Expedition: This week marks the start of India’s first-ever winter expedition to the Arctic.
- With this project, India’s Himadri becomes the fourth year-round manned research station in the Arctic.
The Arctic Region and Its Global Implications
- The Arctic Circle is located north of latitude 66° 34′ N and encompasses the Arctic Ocean.
- Concerns about Climate Change: Scientific studies highlight the Arctic’s impact on global sea levels and atmospheric circulations as ice melts.
- Rising Temperatures: Over the last century, the Arctic region has undergone an average temperature rise of 4 degrees Celsius.
- Sea Ice is receding at a rate of 13% each decade, potentially leading to an ice-free Arctic Ocean by the summer of 2040.
Arctic Expedition Difficulties
- Harsh Environmental Conditions: The intense cold, with February temperatures in Ny-lesund, Svalbard averaging minus 14 degrees Celsius, provides substantial obstacles.
- Limited Research Stations: So far, only three Arctic research stations have had year-round regular staff.
- Geopolitical Constraints: Arctic exploration is complicated by the presence of several state jurisdictions and geopolitical tensions, such as the Ukraine-Russia war.
India’s Winter Expedition Strategy
- The trip will be led by a team of four scientists supported by the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences from December 19, 2023 to January 15, 2024.
- The mission will focus on atmospheric sciences, astronomy, astrophysics, climate studies, and other topics.
- Himadri Station: The crew will be stationed in Himadri, India’s only research station in Ny-lesund, 1,200 km north of the North Pole.
- Special Preparations: With the help of Norwegian agencies, Himadri has been outfitted for polar night observations.
India’s Arctic Interests Have Changed
- Historical Treaty: In 1920, India signed the Svalbard Treaty, which granted Norwegian sovereignty over the Svalbard archipelago.
- The first Indian expedition to the Arctic took place in 2007, resulting to the foundation of Himadri in 2008.
- In Svalbard, India established the IndArc observatory in 2014 and the Gruvebadet Atmospheric Laboratory in 2016.
- India’s Arctic Policy: Due to be published in May 2022, it will describe six pillars, including science, environmental preservation, and international cooperation.
Global Research Presence in the Arctic
- First Research Station in the Arctic: Japan’s National Institute of Polar Research erected the first station in Ny-lesund in 1990.
- International Cooperation: Eleven permanent research stations at Ny-lesund, Svalbard, have been established by ten countries, including India.
- Year-Round Human Presence: Until now, only three Arctic stations have been manned all year.
@the end
- Improved Research Capabilities: India’s first winter voyage to the Arctic represents a significant step forward in the country’s polar research capabilities.
- Global Importance: This programme contributes to a better understanding of the effects of climate change and stimulates international scientific collaboration in the Arctic region.
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1987724#:~:text=The%20Honourable%20Union%20Minister%2C%20Ministry,Delhi%20on%20December%2018%2C%202023.