India is already involved in polar research in the icy continent Antarctica where it has set up three stations. The institutional involvement in the Arctic region will further strengthen India’s activities in the polar regions.

The Arctic Council consisting of Canada, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, Finland, Russia, Norway and the United States resolved on Wednesday at Kiruna in Sweden welcoming India alongwith China, Italy, Japan, South Korea and Singapore as new Observer States.

It, however, deferred to take a decision on European Union’s application for an Observer status.

“We welcome this consensus decision admitting India as an Observer State of the Arctic Council and affirm our commitment to contribute our proven scientific expertise, particularly in polar research capabilities, to the work of the Arctic Council and to support its objectives,” said the official spokesperson in the Indian External Affairs Ministry, Syed Akbaruddin.

The global community has begun recognising the role of emerging economies like India and China in combating the impact of climate change.

The Arctic Council resolved to strengthen its activities and evolve to respond to new challenges and opportunities in the region.