In his speech at the SaGAA Conference, MEA Secretary (West) Sanjay Verma urged multilateral cooperation and highlighted India’s potential in conserving marine ecology in the Arctic.
Overview
Speaking at the Science and Geopolitics of Arctic and Antarctic (SaGAA) Conference held in New Delhi on 27 April, Sanjay Verma, the Secretary (West) of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, remarked that there is a need to extend the Indo-Pacific approach to the Arctic.
The conference titled ‘The Future of Arctic Ice: An Indo-Pacific Connect’ focused on various aspects of the polar region, with its primary focus on the Arctic and the Indo-Pacific.
What happens in the Arctic, doesn't stay in the Arctic. Addressed the 7th @Sa_GHAA Conf. on "The Future of Arctic Ice: An Indo-Pacific Connect". Highlighted synergies between Indo- Pacific Oceans Initiative and priorities of the Arctic. @MEAIndia @moesgoi @NorwayAmbIndia pic.twitter.com/rBBpGFdjw4
— Sanjay Verma (@SanjayVermalFS) April 27, 2023
Significance of the Arctic
Mentioning the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate (SROCC), which says that the shrinking cryosphere is negatively affecting food security, water resources, and livelihood, among other things, the Secretary said that the Arctic region is warming three to four times faster than average.
Verma added that while the Arctic region has a significant impact on the ecosystems of the earth in general, it particularly affects India by impacting the Indian monsoon responsible for 70% of the country’s rains.
India in the Arctic
Highlighting India’s presence in the Arctic since 2007, including a research station and Observer Status in the Arctic Council since 2013, he emphasized the need for a multi-stakeholder approach to Arctic Policy.
Additionally, the Secretary explained that there is a need to tap the economic potential of the region, as Arctic research can help study the impact of global warming on the Himalayas. He further said that India is active in scientific research, commerce, and connectivity with the Arctic member states, and that the India-Nordic cooperation can be expanded into the region.
SaGAA 7: Day 2 : Technical Session 3 on Bettering the World@snowecology @NishaMendiratt2 @IcelandinIndia @singhaniamonica @PrinSciAdvGoI @IndiaDST @FMS_Delhi pic.twitter.com/6sSqPbW1QF
— Science & Geopolitics of Arctic and Antarctic (@Sa_GHAA) April 28, 2023
On Need for Multilateral Cooperation
Outlining the Indian efforts for maritime security, maritime ecology, marine resources, capacity building, resource sharing, disaster management, and trade in the Indo-Pacific region, Verma underscored that these areas are of common interest to the Arctic as well.
He mentioned that Indian experiences with Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative are useful for the Arctic region in dealing with interoperability on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, marine pollution, and connectivity, among other areas.
The Secretary also stressed the need to cooperate in the region, saying that Science Diplomacy and the social science of real politic are both vital for the region.
Verma extended greetings to Norway on its upcoming chair-ship of the Arctic Council and expressed hope to work together with Oslo in the region. In conclusion, he also appreciated and congratulated the SaGAA’s efforts and work.