N4S: 

This article explores one of the most uncomfortable realities of India’s law enforcement system — the silent, systemic culture of custodial torture. UPSC has a habit of testing such issues in layered, thought-provoking ways. For example, the 2018 GS2 question asked how policy contradictions lead to poor environmental protection. In the same way, UPSC can frame questions around custodial torture by tying it to larger ideas — human rights, police reforms, federalism, or even international relations. It won’t ask: “What is custodial torture?” It will ask: “Why hasn’t India enacted an anti-torture law despite being a democracy?” This is where many aspirants falter. They memorize provisions and judgments but forget to ask the “why,” “how,” and “what next.”This article fixes that problem. It doesn’t just list laws (like the D.K. Basu guidelines or IPC Sections 330/331), but also explains why these laws don’t work in practice. It explains why constables and IPS officers view violence so differently (see: “Factors of Divergence”) and how these differences shape police behavior.The most special feature of this article? It doesn’t just inform. It provokes. It asks tough questions—like, is custodial torture still happening because the public silently supports it in the name of “quick justice”? Or because politicians don’t want to lose control over the police?

This article examines the persistent issue of custodial torture in India’s policing system—a topic often overlooked but highly relevant for UPSC. The exam rarely asks direct questions like “What is custodial torture?” Instead, it connects such issues to broader themes like human rights, police reforms, or international obligations. For example, it may ask, “Why has India not passed an anti-torture law despite being a democracy?”

The article goes beyond listing laws such as the D.K. Basu guidelines or IPC Sections 330 and 331. It explains why these laws often fail in practice and how views on violence differ across police ranks. It also encourages reflection on whether torture persists due to public approval or political control over the police.

PYQ ANCHORING

1. GS 2: Policy contradictions among various competing sectors and stakeholders have resulted in inadequate ‘protection and prevention of degradation’ to environment.  Comment with relevant illustration. [2018]

MICROTHEME: Structural reforms and Actions

In India, custodial violence isn’t just a problem of a few rogue officers — it’s a culture silently accepted and justified within the police force itself. A Lokniti-CSDS study shows a disturbing trend: 63% of police personnel believe it’s acceptable to use violence against suspects of serious crimes. Support for torture is alarmingly high even in cases like rape, murder, and terrorism. Shockingly, even petty crime investigations see a large number justifying verbal threats and physical abuse.

On the ground, threats and light physical force are used often; third-degree torture methods, while less frequent, are still worryingly present. Most police personnel are reluctant to report torture — only 39% think it should always be mandatory. Senior officers are even less supportive of reporting.

Legal protection for juniors could encourage some to report violence, but the deeper problem is cultural: brutality is seen as “necessary.” Unless mindsets change, legal reforms alone won’t end custodial violence in India.

Factors of Divergence in attitudes of Constables and IPS Officers /*SMASH MAINS

While both constables and IPS officers serve within the same policing system, their attitudes toward the use of violence are shaped by vastly different educational, social, and professional realities. This table outlines six key factors that explain the sharp divergence in their mindsets.

Factor	Brief Reason	Example
Education	IPS officers are exposed to constitutional values; constables have limited legal literacy.	IPS officers study human rights; constables often rely on informal methods.
Training	IPS training stresses ethics and modern policing; constables focus on physical law enforcement.	IPS officers practice evidence-based investigation; constables may use intimidation.
Work Pressure	Constables face direct pressure for quick results; IPS officers supervise from a distance.	A constable might beat suspects under pressure; an IPS officer manages reporting.
Social Background	Constables often come from violence-normalized settings; IPS officers are urban, rights-aware.	Rural constables see force as normal; IPS officers prioritize procedure.
Career Incentives	IPS careers demand clean records; constabulary promotions are loyalty-based.	IPS officers risk media scrutiny; constables may be praised internally for ‘toughness.’
Accountability	IPS officers are directly accountable to courts, NHRC, media; constables are insulated.	IPS officers face legal summons; constables stay protected within the system.

Impact of Custodial Torture on India’s International Relations

India, a prominent democratic nation, faces significant international scrutiny due to reports of custodial torture, a grave violation of human rights. These incidents not only tarnish its global image but also hinder diplomatic relations and affect its credibility in various global forums. Custodial torture impacts India on the international stage in the following ways:

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1. Damage to India’s Human Rights Image

• Example: UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) reviews have consistently flagged custodial deaths in India, impacting India’s credibility in global forums.
• Impact: Weakens India’s ability to project itself as a leader of democratic and humanitarian values.

2. Obstacles in Bilateral Extradition Treaties

• Example: UK courts (e.g., Vijay Mallya case, 2020) have cited concerns over prison conditions and potential mistreatment while considering extraditions to India.
• Impact: Countries hesitate to extradite accused persons, fearing violations of human rights in Indian custody.

3. Criticism in UN and Other Multilateral Bodies

• Example: During India’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) at the UNHRC in 2017, several countries recommended India to ratify the UN Convention Against Torture.
• Impact: Multilateral scrutiny limits India’s diplomatic leverage on human rights issues.

4. Negative Influence on Trade and Investment Climate

• Example: EU-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations have seen human rights concerns, including custodial torture, being raised by European parliamentarians.
• Impact: Persistent human rights criticisms can deter ethical investment and complicate trade agreements.

5. Weakening of India’s Moral Standing in International Advocacy

• Example: India’s call for Palestinian rights or criticisms of racial discrimination abroad lose weight when its own custodial abuses are highlighted in response.
• Impact: Diminishes India’s moral authority to speak on international justice issues.

6. Pressure from International NGOs and Watchdogs

• Example: Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch regularly release critical reports on custodial torture in India (e.g., Amnesty’s 2020 report on UP police encounters).
• Impact: International campaigns can shame India diplomatically, influence foreign media narratives, and increase global pressure.

The issue of custodial torture severely undermines India’s global standing, from its human rights credibility to its diplomatic relations and trade negotiations. As international pressure mounts, addressing this issue becomes crucial for India to restore its moral authority and strengthen its position in global affairs.

Protective Mechanisms Available Against Custodial Torture in India// DOMINATE PRELIMS

India has developed several constitutional, judicial, and institutional safeguards to protect individuals from custodial torture. The key protective mechanisms are:

1. Constitutional Safeguards

• Article 21: Guarantees the Right to Life and Personal Liberty, interpreted to include protection against torture, inhuman and degrading treatment.
• Article 22: Provides procedural safeguards for arrest and detention, such as the right to be informed of grounds of arrest and the right to consult a legal practitioner.
• Article 20(3): Protects against self-incrimination during investigations and custodial interrogations.

2. Judicial Safeguards

• D.K. Basu v. State of West Bengal (1997)➔ Issued 11 mandatory guidelines to be followed during arrest and detention, including:
  • Arrest memo signed by witness.
  • Information to relatives/friends.
  • Medical examination every 48 hours.
  • Right to consult a lawyer during interrogation. ➔ Incorporated into CrPC (Sections 41B–41D).
• Paramvir Singh Saini v. Baljit Singh (2020)➔ Directed installation of CCTV cameras with audio recording in all police stations and investigation agencies to ensure transparency.
• Prakash Singh v. Union of India (2006)➔ Ordered creation of Police Complaints Authorities in every state for independent investigation into police misconduct.

3. Statutory Safeguards

• Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC):
  • Section 167: Requires production of the arrested person before a magistrate within 24 hours.
  • Section 176: Mandates magisterial inquiry into cases of custodial deaths.
• Indian Evidence Act, 1872:
  • Section 25: Confessions made to a police officer are not admissible as evidence.
  • Section 26: Confession must be made in the immediate presence of a Magistrate to be admissible.
• Indian Penal Code (IPC):
  • Sections 330 & 331: Penalize voluntarily causing hurt/extorting confession.
  • Section 302: Allows police officers to be prosecuted for custodial deaths.
• Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987: ➔ Provides free legal aid to the underprivileged, ensuring access to lawyers during detention.

4. Institutional Safeguards

• National Human Rights Commission (NHRC):
  ➔ Monitors custodial deaths and custodial violence cases; mandates reporting of any such incidents within 24 hours.
• State Human Rights Commissions (SHRCs):
  ➔ Perform similar roles at the state level.
• Police Complaints Authorities (PCAs):
  ➔ Set up in states following the Prakash Singh judgment for independent redressal of police misconduct complaints.
• Oversight Committees (as per Paramvir Singh Case):
  ➔ Monitor the functioning and maintenance of CCTVs in police stations.

5. International Commitments

• India signed the UN Convention Against Torture (UNCAT) in 1997 but has yet to ratify it.
• Law Commission (2017) and various expert bodies have recommended enacting a specific anti-torture law, but it is still pending.

Protection against custodial torture in India rests on constitutional rights, detailed judicial guidelines, statutory laws, institutional watchdogs, and international moral obligations. However, enforcement and systemic reform remain key challenges.

Custodial Torture = A legal impossibility or just political unwillingness ?

Custodial torture remains a brutal reality in India, despite constitutional protections. The real question is not whether it can be legally prevented — it’s whether there’s genuine political will to do so. While political unwillingness is at the core, some deeper systemic reasons also add complexity.

I. Political Unwillingness is the Core Reason

Point	Explanation	Example
1. Repeated Failure to Enact Law	Political push has been missing even when the courts demanded action.	The Prevention of Torture Bill, 2010 passed Lok Sabha but lapsed in Rajya Sabha without serious effort to revive it.
2. Ignoring International Obligations	Signing global treaties without ratification shows lack of seriousness.	India signed the UN Convention Against Torture in 1997, but hasn’t ratified it for over 25 years.
3. Lack of Pressure from Citizens	Public outrage is temporary and politically weak.	After the 2020 Jayaraj-Bennix deaths, there was anger but no lasting legislative change.
4. Police Used as Political Tool	Strong anti-torture laws are seen as reducing political control over police.	State governments resist laws that would limit their ability to “manage” police forces for political ends.
5. Ignoring Judicial Appeals	Even repeated Supreme Court nudges haven’t moved governments.	Cases like D.K. Basu (1997) and Paramvir Singh Saini (2020) urged laws against torture, but Parliament hasn’t acted.
6. Fear of Police Resistance	Politicians fear upsetting police and paramilitary forces.	After the Law Commission’s 2017 push for anti-torture laws, internal resistance from police slowed political response.

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II. But It’s Not Just Political Unwillingness

Point	Explanation	Example
1. Fear of Law Misuse	Governments fear fake cases will hamper police work, especially in insurgency areas.	In Naxal-hit zones, stronger laws are seen as a threat to policing.
2. Federal Structure Complications	Police is a State Subject — Centre making a law could spark Centre-State tensions.	States may oppose any central anti-torture law citing constitutional rights.
3. Existing Legal Provisions	Some argue new laws aren’t needed, only better enforcement of current ones.	IPC Sections 330/331 already criminalize torture; Section 302 applies for custodial deaths.
4. Weak Civil Society Pressure	No large public movement like RTI or Lokpal has built up around this issue.	Without mass pressure, governments find little incentive to act.
5. Administrative Gaps	Practical hurdles like lack of funds and staff make implementation difficult.	Even court-ordered CCTV installation in police stations remains patchy.
6. Colonial-Era Policing Legacy	Harsh policing methods are culturally normalized from British rule days.	Public and political tolerance for “third degree” tactics delays reforms.

Custodial torture survives not because India lacks the legal imagination to stop it, but because political systems benefit from the status quo. Unless there’s sustained pressure — from courts, civil society, and voters — real change will remain a distant hope.

Way Forward

1. Standalone Anti-Torture Law
   ➔ Enact a comprehensive Anti-Torture Act with clear definitions, victim compensation, independent investigation, and compliance with UNCAT.
2. Mandatory Video Recording of Interrogations
   ➔ Ensure complete audio-visual recording of all custodial interrogations, with recordings preserved for a minimum of 5 years and accessible to courts.
3. Independent Investigation Units
   ➔ Set up special investigation teams under Human Rights Commissions, separate from the regular police chain of command, for custodial torture cases.
4. Reverse Burden of Proof
   ➔ Shift burden onto police in cases of custodial deaths/injuries — officers must prove innocence unless otherwise established.
5. Stronger Judicial Oversight
   ➔ Mandatory monthly inspections of police lockups by Judicial Magistrates, and judicial inquiry (not executive) in all custodial death cases.
6. Protection for Whistleblowers and Victims
   ➔ Extend whistleblower protections to police and prison staff reporting torture; allow easy, time-bound access to CCTV footage for victims.

#BACK2BASICS: Custodial Torture in India: An Enduring Challenge

The Status of Policing in India Report (SPIR) 2024, released by Common Cause and Lokniti-CSDS, highlights systemic issues of custodial violence, torture, and lack of accountability, based on interactions with 8,276 police personnel across 17 states and Union Territories.

Understanding Torture

Under the UN Convention Against Torture (UNCAT, 1984), torture involves the intentional infliction of severe pain by public officials. India signed UNCAT in 1997 but has not ratified it, making compliance non-binding.

Key Findings

• Tough Policing: 55% of police personnel endorse “tough methods”; ambiguity exists between legitimate force and torture.
• Mob Justice & Encounters: 25% justify mob violence (e.g., child-lifting cases); 22% support encounter killings over trials.
• Arrest Compliance: Only 41% claim procedures are “always” followed; Kerala highest at 94%.
• Third-Degree Methods: 30% justify torture for serious crimes; 9% even for petty offenses. Victims are mainly Dalits, Adivasis, Muslims, and slum dwellers.
• Custodial Deaths: NCRB (76), NHRC (70), NCAT (111) in 2020; yet zero convictions (2018–22).
• Judicial & Medical Apathy: Magistrates often passive; medical exams sometimes done by eye specialists (example: Maharashtra case cited by civil society groups).

Structural Causes

• Colonial Legacy of Policing: Use of force to maintain control (Indian Police Act, 1861 framework).
• Lack of Accountability: Rare convictions in custodial deaths (zero convictions in 4 years despite multiple deaths).
• Political and Bureaucratic Pressure: Quick results prioritized over legal processes (e.g., pressure during high-profile crimes).
• Inadequate Training and Legal Literacy: Police unaware of rights-based policing (e.g., third-degree practices justified in petty theft cases).
• Public Tolerance of Violence: Support for encounters and mob violence evident in surveys (22% support encounters even for serious offenders).
• Opaque Detention Practices: Lack of transparency in arrest and detention (e.g., minimal magistrate interaction with accused).

Custodial torture is a global problem: Guantanamo Bay abuses (US), Abu Ghraib scandal (Iraq), routine torture reports (Russia, China, Pakistan).

Custodial torture persists due to deep-rooted structural flaws. While the SPIR 2024 report shows growing support for human rights training, real change demands urgent steps: enacting anti-torture legislation, ratifying UNCAT, strengthening accountability, and reforming police and judicial practices.

SMASH MAINS MOCK DROP

Custodial torture remains a serious human rights concern in India despite legal safeguards. Analyze the causes behind its persistence and suggest effective measures to eliminate it.

N4S: 

UPSC often asks questions that link global developments with India’s national interests, especially when the issue has environmental, economic, and geopolitical angles. That’s exactly what the 2021 question did — it asked how Arctic and Antarctic melting differently affect weather and human activities. Students tend to miss the layered nature of such topics. Many stop at climate change or just list facts. They skip connecting dots like how the Northern Sea Route (NSR) links to India’s trade policy, or how thawing permafrost in Siberia could affect India’s monsoons. This article helps fill that gap. It combines science with strategy. For example, under “New Shipping Routes & Economic Benefits,” it shows how India must invest in Arctic-ready ships. In “India’s Arctic Partnerships,” it explains why Himadri and IndARC are more than just research outposts — they’re soft power tools. Students often forget this dual role. The article also brings geopolitics to the front — how India must balance ties with Russia and the West (“Security & Cooperation”). The most special part? It doesn’t treat the Arctic as a cold, faraway place. It brings it home to India — from affecting our monsoons to shaping future trade. With examples like Arctic methane thaw and Polar Silk Road, the article builds that critical “connect,” which UPSC always rewards.

This article explores how Arctic developments affect India’s environment, economy, and strategic interests. UPSC often frames such questions by linking global changes with national priorities, as seen in the 2021 question on the Arctic and Antarctic impacts. Many aspirants stop at climate facts and miss the broader picture, such as the Northern Sea Route’s link to India’s trade or how thawing permafrost in Siberia might influence monsoon patterns.

The article fills this gap by combining science with policy insights. It explains why India needs Arctic-ready ships, how Himadri and IndARC serve both research and diplomacy, and why managing ties with Russia and the West is crucial. With examples like methane thaw and the Polar Silk Road, it helps aspirants connect global events to UPSC-relevant themes.

PYQ ANCHORING

1. GS 2:  How does the melting of the Arctic ice and glaciers of the Antarctic differently affect the weather patterns and human activities on the Earth? Explain. [2021]

MICROTHEME:  Cryosphere and Himalayan Eco-system

The melting of the Arctic region may be a looming climate disaster, but it also brings a chance for significant geopolitical advantage. As the ice melts and sea levels rise, new trade routes are opening up, which could change the global trade landscape. This opportunity becomes even more important given the trade challenges, like tariffs imposed by the U.S., and the growing partnerships between countries to control supply chains and trade routes. Climate change is also playing a big role in shaping these dynamics. So, it’s essential to take a closer look at how this situation affects India.

Three key questions we need to explore are: How can India position itself to benefit from the new trade routes in the Arctic? What steps should India take to balance its economic interests with the environmental risks in the region? How can India strengthen its partnerships with countries in the Arctic, given the shifting geopolitical landscape?

Arctic: A Geostrategic Pillar for India

The Arctic region is becoming more important for global powers, and India’s involvement there is crucial for a variety of reasons, from economic opportunities to security and global influence. Here’s how the Arctic is shaping up as a key geostrategic asset for India:

1. New Shipping Routes & Economic Benefits: With the ice in the Arctic melting, new shipping routes like the Northern Sea Route (NSR) are opening up, offering much faster ways to travel between Europe and Asia. For India, this is a big opportunity. By boosting its shipbuilding capacity and investing in specialized Arctic ships, including ice-breakers, India can take full advantage of these new trade routes and strengthen its position in global shipping.
2. Energy Resources & Strategic Ties: The Arctic is rich in untapped resources like oil and gas. As India’s energy needs grow, securing access to these resources is becoming increasingly important. Working closely with Arctic nations, particularly Russia, allows India to diversify its energy sources. However, India must carefully manage its relationship with Russia, especially considering China’s growing presence in the Arctic with its ambitious Polar Silk Road plans.
3. Environmental and Security Concerns: The changes happening in the Arctic have global impacts, including on India’s climate, especially its monsoon patterns. India’s research stations and expeditions in the region, like Himadri and IndARC, play a vital role in monitoring climate change and its effects. This scientific involvement strengthens India’s image as a responsible global player and gives it a voice in international environmental discussions.
4. Geopolitical Influence: The Arctic isn’t just about resources and shipping – it’s also about global power. By actively participating in international forums like the Arctic Council, India can build important diplomatic relationships with other countries, including Japan and South Korea. It also gives India the chance to advocate for a more inclusive approach to Arctic governance, which would enhance its geopolitical influence.
5. Security & Cooperation: With increasing military activity in the Arctic, India’s security interests are at stake. Balancing relations between Russia and the West is delicate, but India can work with countries that share similar concerns to maintain peace and stability in the region. By getting involved in security discussions, India can strengthen its global role in promoting peace.

In short, the Arctic holds significant opportunities for India. By focusing on sustainable development, forming strategic partnerships, and taking an active role in regional cooperation, India can use its engagement in the Arctic to boost its economic, security, and geopolitical standing on the world stage.

Significance of Arctic region’s melting//MAINS

As the Arctic continues to warm and ice melts at an alarming rate, it’s not just a story of environmental change. The impacts of this transformation ripple across the globe in various ways. From affecting wildlife habitats and weather patterns to opening up new economic opportunities and geopolitical tensions, the Arctic’s changing landscape brings both challenges and opportunities. The table below breaks down how these changes are influencing three key areas: 

Aspect	Point	Example
Environmental	1. Loss of Polar Wildlife Habitats	Polar bears and seals rely on sea ice for hunting and breeding. As the ice melts, they face survival challenges.
	2. Thawing Permafrost	Thawing permafrost in Siberia releases methane, a greenhouse gas, contributing to global warming.
	3. Ocean Acidification	Melting ice leads to more CO2 absorption by the ocean, which harms marine life like coral reefs and shellfish.
	4. Disruption of Global Weather Patterns	Arctic warming alters the jet stream, causing unpredictable weather, including heatwaves in Europe and harsh winters in North America.
	5. Melting Glaciers and Rising Sea Levels	Melting glaciers in Greenland and Antarctica raise sea levels, threatening coastal communities worldwide.
Economic	1. New Fishing Grounds	As the ice recedes, new fishing areas emerge off the coast of Alaska, potentially boosting global fish supply.
	2. Access to Energy Resources	The Arctic holds significant untapped oil and gas reserves, with exploration increasing due to melting ice.
	3. Northern Sea Route for Shipping	The opening of the Northern Sea Route reduces travel time between Europe and Asia, cutting down shipping costs and time.
	4. Boost to Arctic Tourism	Melting ice makes the Arctic more accessible to tourists, with an increase in cruise ships and wildlife tours.
	5. Increased Cost of Infrastructure	Warming in the Arctic requires investment in new infrastructure for shipping and energy extraction, raising costs.
Geopolitical	1. Territorial Disputes Over Resources	Countries like Russia, Canada, and the U.S. are competing for control of oil, gas, and mineral reserves in the Arctic.
	2. Military Presence and Strategic Importance	Nations like the U.S. and Russia are increasing military presence in the Arctic to safeguard resources and shipping routes.
	3. International Cooperation on Environmental Protection	The Arctic Council promotes cooperation between nations to protect the environment and wildlife.
	4. Opening of New Trade Routes	The Northern Sea Route becomes more viable as the ice melts, providing a shorter shipping route between Europe and Asia.
	5. Geopolitical Influence through the Arctic	Countries with Arctic territories, like Russia, use their position to increase geopolitical influence over global trade.

India’s Arctic Partnerships in a Changing Geopolitical Landscape

As the Arctic becomes a focal point for global economic and environmental changes, India has a unique opportunity to strengthen its partnerships with countries in the region. Given the shifting geopolitical dynamics, India can adopt several strategies to enhance its position and foster deeper cooperation with Arctic nations:

1. Engage through Multilateral Platforms: India can leverage platforms like the Arctic Council and the Arctic Circle India Forum to engage with other nations. By actively participating in discussions on climate change, sustainable development, and Arctic governance, India can showcase its commitment to the region’s well-being and strengthen diplomatic ties with countries like Norway, Canada, and Russia.
2. Focus on Scientific and Environmental Cooperation: India’s role in Arctic research is pivotal, with initiatives like Himadri and IndARC (India’s Arctic Research Centre). By enhancing scientific collaboration on climate monitoring and environmental preservation, India can position itself as a key partner in the region’s sustainable development and climate change mitigation efforts. This will help India build trust with Arctic nations that are highly focused on environmental concerns.
3. Build Strategic Economic Partnerships: As new shipping routes open up and natural resources become more accessible, India should look to strengthen economic ties with Arctic countries, especially in the fields of energy, shipping, and infrastructure. Collaborations with Russia, for example, could help India secure access to Arctic resources and boost its presence in the global energy market. India can also explore opportunities in Arctic tourism and logistics, areas likely to see growth as the region becomes more accessible.
4. Enhance Bilateral Ties with Key Arctic Nations: India can deepen its relationships with Arctic powers, particularly Russia, by collaborating on Arctic shipping routes, energy exploration, and scientific research. Simultaneously, India should explore new partnerships with countries like Japan and South Korea, which share similar interests in Arctic governance and resource management.
5. Promote Peaceful and Inclusive Arctic Governance: India can play a significant role in advocating for a more inclusive and equitable Arctic Council. As the region becomes more geopolitically competitive, India’s support for a multilateral, rules-based approach to Arctic governance could enhance its credibility and influence in the region.

Initiatives of India for Arctic region//PRELIMS

India has been progressively enhancing its engagement in the Arctic region through scientific research, environmental protection, and international cooperation. The key initiatives include:

India’s Arctic Initiatives

Area	Initiative	Details
Research Stations	Himadri	Established in 2008 at Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard, Himadri is India’s first permanent Arctic research station. It focuses on atmospheric studies, glaciology, and marine biology .
	IndARC	Deployed in 2014 in Kongsfjorden, Norway, IndARC is India’s first underwater moored observatory in the Arctic, aiming to study climate change impacts and their influence on the monsoon .
Policy Framework	National Arctic Policy	Released in 2022, this policy outlines India’s approach to Arctic engagement, emphasizing scientific research, environmental protection, economic development, and international cooperation .
International Cooperation	Arctic Council Observer	India has been an observer in the Arctic Council since 2013, participating in discussions on sustainable development and environmental protection in the Arctic region .
Scientific Expeditions	Arctic Expeditions	Since 2007, India has conducted 13 Arctic expeditions, focusing on climate studies, glaciology, and marine biology .
Institutional Leadership	National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR)	Based in Goa, NCPOR is the nodal agency for India’s polar research programs, including Arctic studies, and oversees the operation of research stations like Himadri and IndARC .
Strategic Partnerships	Collaboration with Russia	India collaborates with Russia on Arctic research and exploration, including potential joint ventures in energy projects, while being mindful of international sanctions .

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Way Forward

1. Shipbuilding: India should ramp up its shipbuilding capacity, focusing on ships suited for Arctic conditions. Investments in ice-breaking fleets and structural upgrades are essential to compete globally.
2. Multilateral Engagements: Platforms like the Arctic Circle India Forum should be leveraged to push India’s Arctic policy forward, encouraging stakeholder dialogues and partnerships with an India-Asia focus.
3. Polar Ambassador: India can appoint a Polar Ambassador to streamline its Arctic efforts, following in the footsteps of nations like the U.S. and Greenland, who have recognized the growing geopolitical importance of the region.
4. Balancing Russia & USA: India must carefully balance its relations with both Russia and the USA. While Russia offers Arctic expertise, India must avoid aligning too closely with China’s Arctic ambitions. Partnering with like-minded countries like Japan and South Korea can help India shape a more inclusive Arctic governance structure.

The Arctic presents both immense opportunities and risks. India should seize the economic potential while ensuring sustainable development and careful geopolitical navigation to avoid reckless exploitation of Arctic resources.

#BACK2BASICS: INDIA’S ARCTIC POLICY

India’s Arctic Policy is structured around six central pillars and a set of objectives that guide its approach towards the Arctic region. These provisions focus on scientific research, environmental protection, economic development, and enhancing national capabilities to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by the Arctic’s changing landscape.

Six Central Pillars:

1. Science and Research: Advancing scientific exploration and research to deepen understanding of the Arctic region, including its climate, ecosystems, and resources.
2. Environmental Protection: Ensuring the preservation of the Arctic environment and addressing the impacts of climate change on the region.
3. Economic and Human Development: Promoting economic cooperation and sustainable development opportunities in the Arctic, including maritime trade and resource management.
4. Transportation and Connectivity: Enhancing transportation links and connectivity between India and Arctic countries, with a focus on emerging trade routes.
5. Governance and International Cooperation: Strengthening India’s role in global forums such as the Arctic Council and fostering partnerships with Arctic nations for shared governance and resource management.
6. National Capacity Building: Building the necessary institutional and human resource capacities within India to effectively engage with the Arctic region.

Objectives:

• Strengthen National Capabilities: Enhance India’s science and exploration capabilities in the Arctic, focusing on climate and environmental protection, as well as maritime and economic cooperation.
• Institutional Capacity Building: Strengthen India’s institutional framework and inter-ministerial coordination, fostering collaboration between government bodies, academic institutions, research organizations, and businesses to advance India’s Arctic interests.
• Climate Change and Environmental Impact: Increase understanding of the impact of Arctic climate change on India’s own climate, economy, and energy security, and develop strategies to mitigate these effects.
• Analysis and Coordination: Promote better analysis, prediction, and policymaking regarding the consequences of Arctic ice melting on global shipping routes, energy security, and the exploitation of Arctic mineral resources, which are critical to India’s strategic interests.
• Linkages with Polar Regions and the Himalayas: Investigate the interconnections between the Arctic and the Himalayas, and foster closer cooperation with Arctic countries through scientific and traditional knowledge exchange.
• Arctic Council Participation: Enhance India’s engagement in the Arctic Council and improve understanding of the Arctic’s complex governance structures, international laws, and geopolitical dynamics, ensuring India’s voice is heard in shaping the future of the region.

India’s Arctic Policy emphasizes the importance of multi-dimensional engagement with the region, addressing both the opportunities and risks posed by a rapidly changing Arctic.

MOCK DROP

India’s Arctic Policy reflects the strategic shift from science diplomacy to geopolitics in the polar region. Critically examine the key objectives of India’s Arctic Policy and evaluate its significance in the context of climate change, energy security, and global governance.