India’s Bold Move: Expanding Influence in the Arctic and Antarctic

On Sunday, India’s External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, talked about how India is getting more involved in the polar regions, like the Arctic and Antarctic. For over 40 years, India has been working in Antarctica and has recently increased its focus on the Arctic by creating a special policy and teaming up with other countries.

Jaishankar mentioned the Arctic’s importance, especially since India has a lot of young people. What happens in the Arctic will affect everyone, not just India. He spoke at the Arctic Circle India Forum 2025, saying, “Our role in the Arctic is growing. We also have a long history with Antarctica. A few years ago, we announced our Arctic policy. We’ve partnered with KSAT in Svalbard, which helps with our space activities. The Arctic is very important for us, especially as we see more changes ahead which will impact the whole world.”

He also explained how warming temperatures are opening new routes and changing how the world economy works. This is crucial for India as its economy is growing fast. Jaishankar pointed out that changes in the Arctic also connect to other global events, including politics in the US.

Olafur Ragnar Grimsson, who heads the Arctic Circle and used to be the President of Iceland, added that India’s future economy will need resources from the Arctic. He urged Indian economists to recognize this need. With global politics shifting, including how China and Russia work together and the changing relationship between the US and Russia, how India acts in the Arctic will be very important. Grimsson stressed that understanding these changes is vital for shaping the future of the Arctic.