Page 202 - Technology Roadmap Transportation

TECHNOLOGY VISION 2035

(f) Long spells of darkness in winter; India already has an Arctic presence with
its research station in Norway’s northern
(g) Reduced visibility from fog and precipitation;
Svalbard Archipelago (a group of islands). India’s
(h) Less reliable weather forecasts, relative lack Arctic observatory – Himadri – is a study
of good charts, communication systems and station in New Aalesund, Spitsbergen. It is the
other navigational aids posing challenges for largest research station in Norway’s Svalbard
the mariners; and Archipelago, which is located about 1,200 km
from the North Pole. India is also an observer
(i) In general, information on the meteorological in the International Arctic Science Committee
and oceanographic conditions like winds and (IASC) based in Potsdam, Germany, which in turn
waves in parts of the Arctic with seasonal or holds observer status in the Arctic Council. India
round-the-year ice cover is poor.
has also applied to IASC to join as full member.

6.6.1 India’s Role in the Arctic Region Under the circumstances, India must join the
The race for a share of the enormous reserves Arctic Council and work for furtherance of its
of fossil fuel and control of transit routes in the
Arctic region is heating-up. The five coastal states interests in the Arctic region. Further, India should
deeply engage with Norway as the one state that
in the frontline of the high-stakes hunt are the may not only aid and advance the Indian cause,
Danish commonwealth (including self-governed but also help rope in countries like Sweden
Greenland and Faroe Islands), Russia, Norway,
Canada and the United States of America and Finland towards protecting its interest and
shaping the future of the Arctic region.
(USA). Finland, Sweden and Iceland are also
stakeholders in the Arctic rim (Figure 6.1).

FIGURE 6.1: THE FIVE COASTAL STATES IN THE FRONTLINE OF THE
HIGH-STAKES HUNT FOR FOSSIL FUELS[1]

200 WATERWAYS