Policy Watch : India’s Arctic Policy | Episode - 424

This week's episode of Policy Watch focuses on India's new draft policy for the Arctic region. A first-of-a-kind initiative, the policy has been put out for comments from the public. It articulates India’s desire to push the frontiers of science forward. The draft document outlines five pillars of India’s Arctic policy: scientific research, economics and human development; connectivity; global governance and international cooperation; and development of Indian human resource capabilities. India seeks to play a constructive role in the Arctic by leveraging its vast scientific pool and expertise in Himalayan and Polar research. India also aims to contribute to ensuring that as the Arctic becomes more accessible, its resources are harnessed sustainably and in consonance with best practices formulated by bodies such as the Arctic Council. India becomes an Observer in the Arctic Council for the first time in 2013 and its membership was renewed for another five-year term in 2018 Anchor : Kriti Mishra Guests : Dr. M. Rajeevan, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, GOI : Navtej Sarna, Former Ambassador