Parliamentary Panel Recommends Polar Ambassador to Strengthen India's Polar Strategy

A Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs has recommended that the Centre appoint a "Polar Ambassador" to strengthen India's engagement in the Arctic and Antarctic, describing the move as essential for advancing the country's long-term polar strategy and diplomatic presence.

The recommendation is part of the committee's report, "India's Role and Presence in the Arctic and Antarctic Regions," tabled in Parliament on Thursday. Chaired by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, the panel said a dedicated Polar Ambassador would underscore the importance of the polar regions in India's foreign policy while enabling the country to pursue polar diplomacy more effectively.

The committee noted that several Arctic Council member states and observer countries, including Japan, China, Singapore and South Korea, already have Polar or Arctic Ambassadors supported by dedicated departments. It said India should adopt a similar framework to strengthen scientific cooperation, international collaboration and strategic engagement.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India remains committed to a rules-based, science-driven and environmentally responsible approach in both polar regions. The ministry said New Delhi's engagement focuses on sustainability, energy security, governance of emerging sea routes and adherence to international regimes.

Highlighting the importance of the polar regions, the committee noted that the Arctic and Antarctic contain nearly 90% of the Earth's ice sheets and 70% of its freshwater reserves. It warned that melting polar ice could significantly affect India's 11,000-km coastline, increase sea levels and disrupt the Indian monsoon.

The panel also stressed the strategic value of India's Antarctic research stations, Maitri and Bharati, and recommended the expeditious construction of a new Maitri station to strengthen the country's long-term scientific presence and influence in global polar governance.

Calling for a comprehensive long-term polar policy, the committee said India must prepare for emerging geopolitical, environmental and scientific challenges while expanding its role in the rapidly evolving polar regions.