The Arctic Circle India Forum took place recently in New Delhi, bringing together high-level participants from across Asia, Europe, North America, and the Arctic. This two-day international forum, hosted at the Taj Palace Hotel, marked the first major global event focused on the Arctic since former U.S. President Donald J. Trump introduced a new policy stance on Greenland and the Arctic region.
A major highlight of the forum was a keynote session by India’s Minister of External Affairs, S. Jaishankar, one of the world’s most influential foreign ministers. He addressed the participants and took part in an extended question-and-answer session, outlining India’s evolving vision for engagement in Arctic affairs.
The conference was held in cooperation with the Indian think tank Observer Research Foundation (ORF), the Ministry of External Affairs, and the Ministry of Earth Sciences. It featured opening remarks by Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, Chairman of the Arctic Circle and former President of Iceland, along with Samir Saran, President of ORF.
Titled "Arctic Circle India Forum: The Polar Order – Arctic and Asia", the event included around 30 thematic sessions and over 80 speakers. Participants ranged from senior policymakers and diplomats to scientists and climate experts, with a particular emphasis on Asia’s growing interest and involvement in the polar regions.
A special segment of the forum focused on the polar regions through the Arctic Circle Polar Dialogue, chaired by former Icelandic Prime Minister Katrín Jakobsdóttir. This thematic dialogue was first launched at the Arctic Circle Assembly in Reykjavík and later featured in the Arctic Circle Forum in Abu Dhabi earlier this year.
One of the notable addresses was delivered by Kenneth Høegh, the incoming Chair of the Arctic Council and a respected Greenlandic diplomat. His speech marked the beginning of Greenland’s two-year term chairing the Arctic Council on behalf of the Kingdom of Denmark.
The Arctic Circle India Forum showcased how the Arctic is becoming a key topic in global geopolitics and science, and highlighted India’s ambition to play a more active role in shaping its future.
Source: Arctic Circle
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