The Arctic Circle India Forum 2025, convened in New Delhi on May 3-4, marked a significant milestone in India's deepening engagement with Arctic affairs. Co-hosted by the Arctic Circle and the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), in collaboration with India's Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Earth Sciences, the forum brought together over 80 speakers from 16 countries. Themed “The Polar Order: The Arctic and Asia,” the event underscored the growing relevance of the Arctic in global geopolitics, climate science, and sustainable development.
Geopolitical Dynamics and Multilateral Cooperation:
The forum highlighted the evolving geopolitical landscape of the Arctic, emphasizing the roles of both Arctic and non-Arctic states. Kenneth Høegh, Arctic Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark and incoming Chair of the Senior Arctic Officials, presented Denmark's chairmanship priorities, focusing on Greenlandic diplomacy and Indigenous knowledge. Discussions also addressed the challenges posed by increasing strategic competition in the region, with calls for inclusive governance frameworks that respect international law. Importantly, the Russia-Ukraine war was acknowledged as an unsettling force that has strained cooperation within the Arctic Council and multiple panels noted that long-term solutions will require constructive engagement even with isolated players.
India’s Strategic Vision and Parliamentary Engagement:
Indian policymakers articulated a clear vision for the nation's role in the Arctic. In a session titled “Vision from the Indian Parliament,” Members of Parliament Milind Deora and Anurag Thakur emphasized the need for proactive engagement, noting the Arctic’s direct influence on India’s climate, economy, and water security. Deora emphasized the symbolic and practical significance of India’s observer role in the Arctic Council and encouraged expanding India’s policy and research footprint in the region. Minister of External Affairs Dr. S. Jaishankar echoed these views, further warning of the Arctic's emerging role as a theatre of power competition, where actors like China are increasingly active in scientific, commercial, and strategic domains. The Minister noted that India’s presence and diplomacy must remain dynamic and forward-looking in response to this evolving environment.
Scientific Collaboration and Climate Research:
Scientific cooperation formed a central pillar of the forum. Panels on Arctic-Asian climate interlinkages brought together researchers from India, Japan, and South Korea to discuss the Arctic’s role in shaping Asia’s monsoon systems and long-term climate variability. India’s Himadri research station in Svalbard was highlighted as a vital base for collaborative polar research. Speakers underlined the importance of strengthening scientific alliances to decode cascading climate impacts on agriculture, water systems, and biodiversity, especially in vulnerable regions such as South Asia.
Technological Advancements and Sustainable Development:
Sessions on satellite observation, earth sciences, and space-based data sharing showcased the importance of technology in Arctic engagement. Experts from India and Europe discussed space cooperation, disaster risk reduction, and surveillance systems tailored for polar environments. The forum also emphasized the potential of blue economy initiatives, maritime security partnerships — especially between India and Nordic states — and the role of sustainable Arctic resource management. Discussions reiterated that as Arctic access increases, so do the risks of environmental exploitation and geopolitical rivalry.
Bridging the Poles: The Hindu Kush Himalaya and Arctic Linkages
A standout feature of the forum was its unique emphasis on the linkages between the Arctic and the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH). Scientists from India, Nepal, and ICIMOD drew attention to the common challenges of glacial retreat, permafrost thawing, and downstream water insecurity. It was emphasized that both regions are not just icy wildernesses but deeply interconnected human and ecological systems. The concept of “interpolar dialogue” received significant support as a model for cross-regional learning and resilience planning.
The Arctic Circle India Forum 2025 served as a platform for India to assert its role as a proactive, responsible participant in Arctic affairs. It elevated India’s commitment to scientific diplomacy and multilateral cooperation while acknowledging the complex power shifts shaping the polar order. By amplifying voices from both Arctic and non-Arctic states, the forum reinforced the idea that Arctic governance must be collaborative, transparent, and globally inclusive.
Connecting Past Insights by PSI:
Varun Mohan’s PSI alert from 2023 presciently highlighted the strategic importance of the Arctic for India, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive policy framework and increased scientific engagement. The discussions and initiatives presented at the Arctic Circle India Forum 2025 reflect a tangible progression of these recommendations, signaling India's commitment to integrating Arctic considerations into its broader climate and foreign policy agendas. The forum validated the alert’s argument that Arctic developments are not distant phenomena, they are intimately tied to the environmental and strategic futures of the Global South.
This article was written by PSI’s Akanksha Singh.