Parliamentary Panel Recommends Appointment of a Polar Ambassador for India

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs has suggested in its report that the Central Government appoints a “Polar Representative” for enabling India to enhance its activities in the Arctic and Antarctic regions. The report titled “India’s Role and Presence in the Arctic and Antarctic Regions” was released in Parliament on July 30th, 2026.

The committee’s chairman Shashi Tharoor said that appointing of the Polar Representative would aid in enhancing India’s role in polar matters.

Why Did the Committee Propose Designating a Polar Ambassador?

The committee noted that there are many nations with vested interests in polar matters like Japan, China, Singapore, South Korea, and all member states of the Arctic Council that have already appointed Special Ambassadors for Polar Affairs and have set up specialized departments to handle Polar Affairs.

The committee suggested that India should also create a position for the following purposes,

• Better engage diplomatically with Arctic and Antarctic Matters.
• Promote interests of India in terms of international relations in polar governance.
• Encourage scientific collaboration and sustainable practices.
• Formulate a long-term polar strategy.
• Work with international partners on issues relating to climate, research, and ocean affairs.

According to the committee, the establishment of such a position would enable India to engage better in polar diplomacy and reflect its interest in such strategically important regions.

India’s Strategic Interest in Polar Regions

According to the report, even though India is not a nation standing behind either the Arctic or the Antarctic, changes in these regions affect India greatly.

Arctic

• The Arctic is situated above 66° North latitude.
• The Arctic is basically an ocean enclosed by land.
• This region has around 4 million inhabitants, including indigenous peoples.
• Much of the natural resources found in the Arctic nations are within their own territories.

Antarctic

• The Antarctic is located below 60° South latitude.
• The Antarctic is a land mass surrounded by oceans.
• The Antarctic adheres to the Antarctic Treaty System.
• The Antarctic has an area which is around five times larger in comparison with that of India.
• The Antarctic has ice layers, the thickness of which is as much as 4.5 kilometers.

According to the report of Indian Government, both the regions combined comprise of,

• Almost 90% of the glacier ice found on the Earth
• About 70% of the world’s freshwater

Importance of Polar Regions to India

The committee noted that climate change in the polar areas has serious implications for India.

Some of the serious issues are,

• Increase in sea levels impacting India’s 11,000 km long coasts and likewise islands.
• The developments in Arctic and Antarctic ice patterns affecting Indian monsoon.
• Global climate systems affected.
• Open sea routes and navigation issues.
• Conducting research in science and environment.

India’s Ongoing activities in Antarctica

India presently has two research stations that are permanently being operated,

Maitri Station

• Functional for over 30 years, since 1989
• Located in Schirmacher Oasis
• Constructed on an area of land without ice

Bharati Station

• Established in 2012
• Located in Princess Elisabeth Land
• About 2,500 km east from Maitri

The committee has made recommendations on the prompt construction of a new Maitri research station to enhance India’s scientific ability and expand its long-term presence in Antarctica.

Stand of the Ministry of External Affairs

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) advised the committee that India pursues a science-oriented, rules-following, and eco-sensitive approach in its Arctic and Antarctic duty.

In the view of the MEA,

• India endorses sustainable engagement.
• Cooperation relates to science, climate, energy security, and sea routes.
• India acts in a constructive manner within various international frameworks like the Antarctic Treaty System and many other international treaties.