Krill density in Southern Ocean down 80% since 1970s, committee finds

The Standing Committee on External Affairs examined India's strategic presence, scientific research capabilities, and diplomatic engagement in the Arctic and Antarctic regions to assess how India can better protect its interests in these polar zones.

Who it concerns: This concerns the Ministry of External Affairs and the Department of Science and Technology, as well as the general public interested in India's geopolitical standing, shipping costs, and scientific research infrastructure.

What the committee found

• The Committee recommended that the government seek full-fledged membership in the Arctic Council to overcome current limitations on decision-making, financial contribution, and direct research participation.
• The Committee recommended appointing a dedicated Polar Ambassador to improve polar diplomacy, citing similar institutional mechanisms in China, Japan, and South Korea.
• The Committee recommended that India pursue recognition of the Arctic as a 'Quasi-Global Commons' rather than leaving it solely under the sovereign control of eight territorial states.
• The Committee recommended expediting the feasibility study by the India-Russia joint working group to develop the Northern Sea Route as a cost-effective alternative to the Suez Canal.
• The Committee recommended that India participate in krill fishing only after evaluating environmental risks and pursue the creation of Marine Protected Areas in East Antarctica and the Weddell Sea.
• The Committee recommended increasing the budgetary outlay for the ongoing polar research scheme by 30% and creating additional permanent posts at the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research.
• The Committee recommended expediting the manufacturing of a dedicated polar research vessel with ice-breaking capacity to reduce dependence on expensive chartered foreign ships.
• The Committee recommended expediting the completion of the Maitri-II station in Antarctica, as the current Maitri station has exceeded its intended 10-year lifespan.
• The Committee recommended that the Ministry of External Affairs engage directly with the Norwegian government to address restrictions on research at the Himadri station in Svalbard.

Also in the document

• The Committee noted that the density of krill in the Southern Ocean may have decreased by 80% since the 1970s.
• The Committee observed that India currently lacks its own ice-class vessel and relies on chartered foreign ships for logistics.
• The Committee noted that the current Maitri research station in Antarctica has exceeded its intended 10-year lifespan.
• The Committee observed that India's current 'observer' status in the Arctic Council limits its ability to participate in decision-making and undertake research directly.