Parliament Question: Arctic Policy of India

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO - 3244 ANSWERED ON - 07/08/2026 ARCTIC POLICY OF INDIA 3244. SHRI RAO RAJENDRA SINGH Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:- (a) the measures taken by the Government under Arctic Policy of India to strengthen transportation and connectivity with the Nordic countries; (b) the steps taken in coordination with the Nordic countries to mitigate climate change under India's Arctic Policy; and (c) the manner in which India's partnership with the Nordic countries is strengthening maritime and environmental cooperation? 1ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH) (a) to (c) India’s Arctic Policy, titled “India and the Arctic: Building a Partnership for Sustainable Development”, was released in 2022. Guided by the Policy, India works closely with all the Nordic countries on connectivity, climate action and maritime and environmental cooperation, including through Summit-level engagement. At the 3rd India-Nordic Summit, held in Norway on 19 May 2026, it was decided to elevate the India-Nordic relationship to a Green Technology and Innovation Strategic Partnership. The leaders also agreed to improve connectivity between the Nordic and the Indo-Pacific regions, in line with the continued development of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. There is also direct air connectivity with Finland and Denmark. On climate change, India and the Nordic countries are working together on renewable energy, green hydrogen, zero- and low-emission technologies such as carbon capture, utilisation and storage and critical minerals in support of the transition to clean energy and sustainable economic growth. The Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT), 2launched by India and Sweden in 2019 to reduce emissions from industry, has since been joined by most Nordic countries. Maritime and environmental cooperation is being strengthened through bilateral dialogues and the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative, covering maritime safety, welfare of seafarers, prevention of pollution at sea, green shipping, shipbuilding, sustainable ship recycling and sustainable management of ocean resources. India has recently commenced Maritime Security Dialogues with Nordic countries, including Norway and Denmark. India also continues its scientific work in the Arctic through its research station, Himadri, in Svalbard, where winter expeditions have been undertaken since December 2023. India’s National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research collaborates with institutions in the Nordic countries to study changes in Arctic glaciers, ocean life and marine pollution. ***** 3