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New Delhi : In a groundbreaking initiative, Kiren Rijiju, the Minister of Earth Sciences, marked a significant moment on Monday as he flagged off India’s inaugural winter science expedition to the Arctic region. The expedition aims to establish a year-long presence at the Himadri research station in Svalbard, Norway.
A team of four scientists is set to embark on this pioneering journey on Tuesday, heading to India’s research station located in Ny-Ålesund on the Brogger peninsula. Ny-Ålesund, known as the world’s northernmost settlement, sits at 79 degrees north latitude in the north-western region of Spitsbergen, Svalbard. The town hosts research institutes from 10 countries, making it a global hub for scientific exploration.
Minister Rijiju emphasized the expedition’s significance, stating that as India ventures into uncharted territory, it assumes a global role in Arctic exploration, contributing valuable insights to the scientific community. He referred to the mission as “historic,” citing its immense importance as India navigates the Arctic’s critical influence on global climate, sea levels, and biodiversity for the first time.
The First ever Winter Expedition into the Arctic Frontier!
Delighted to launch India's 1st Winter Arctic Expedition at Prithvi Bhavan, New Delhi. This historic venture holds immense significance as we navigate the Arctic's critical influence on global climate, sea levels, and… pic.twitter.com/r32bIpYKe3
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) December 18, 2023
This maiden winter expedition represents a milestone for India’s Arctic research program, launched in 2007 with a focus on studying climate change in the region. The team of scientists will reside at the Ny-Ålesund research station for 30 to 45 days before being replaced by another team, ensuring India’s continuous presence in the Arctic. This mirrors India’s existing year-long presence in the Antarctic near the South Pole.
India’s foray into the Arctic is in line with its Arctic Policy unveiled last year, which includes plans for additional research stations and satellite ground stations in the region. The overarching objective remains the study of connections between Arctic climate patterns and the Indian monsoon, contributing to a broader understanding of global climate dynamics.
The flagging-off ceremony in New Delhi saw the presence of key figures such as Earth Sciences Secretary M Ravichandran, National Centre for Polar Ocean Research Director Thamban Meloth, and India Meteorological Department Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra.
