As the Arctic Ocean edges closer to becoming ice-free during summers in the coming decades, global interest in the polar regions is set to intensify. Dr. Thamban Meloth, Director of the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) in Goa, underscored this shift during the organization’s 25th Foundation Day celebrations, calling the Arctic a future “hotbed” of international geopolitics.
Speaking at the commemorative event, Dr. Meloth emphasized the crucial role of both the Arctic and Antarctic in regulating global climate. “Recent research indicates that the melting of Arctic sea ice could significantly impact the Indian monsoon and its variability,” he said. “Meanwhile, Antarctica, which holds nearly 70% of the world’s freshwater in frozen form, poses a massive risk to global sea levels. If it melts completely, the sea level could rise by as much as 60 meters, putting all coastal cities at serious risk.”
He added that the consequences of polar ice melt extend far beyond their immediate regions. “While the melting occurs in the poles, its effects—like rising sea levels—are more pronounced in tropical regions like India due to various compounding factors,” he explained. “What happens in the poles doesn’t stay there—it affects us all.”
Highlighting the strategic dimensions of a changing Arctic, Dr. Meloth noted that the disappearance of sea ice would open new maritime routes and expose valuable mineral and fishery resources. “The Arctic becoming ice-free in summer is not just an environmental concern—it’s a geopolitical game-changer,” he stated. “Nations are already expressing interest in regions like Greenland. Those with access to polar areas will wield significant strategic power in the future.”
He urged India to prepare for the evolving polar dynamics and position itself as an active player in global polar research and exploration.
The event also paid tribute to India’s pioneering polar efforts, recounting the country’s first scientific expedition to Antarctica. On December 6, 1981, a 21-member team of scientists, technicians, and Navy personnel embarked from Goa’s Mormugao harbour aboard the Norwegian ship MV Polar Circle. The crew reached Queen Maud Land on January 9, 1982, marking India’s first footprint on the ‘White Continent’ and hoisting the national flag.
This expedition laid the foundation for India’s polar research program and the establishment of its first Antarctic research station, Dakshin Gangotri, in 1983.
As the climate crisis accelerates transformations in the polar regions, India’s early investments in polar science are positioning it for a larger role in emerging global dialogues.
