New Delhi: Kiren Rijiju, the Minister of Earth Sciences, initiated India's inaugural winter science expedition to the Arctic region on Monday. This initiative aims to sustain a year-long presence at the Himadri research station in Svalbard, Norway.

A team consisting of four scientists is set to embark on this groundbreaking journey on Tuesday. Their destination is India's research station located in the town of Ny-Alesund on the Brogger peninsula, housing research facilities from 10 different countries.

Ny-Alesund, situated at 79 degrees north latitude on the Spitsbergen island in Svalbard, stands as the world's northernmost settlement.

Rijiju expressed his anticipation, stating, "In this debut winter expedition, our scientists are primed to uncover additional mysteries and expand scientific understanding about our Climate & Planet."

The flagging-off ceremony in New Delhi was attended by notable figures including Earth Sciences Secretary M. Ravichandran, Thamban Meloth (Director of the National Centre for Polar Ocean Research), and Mrutyunjay Mohapatra (Director General of the India Meteorological Department).

Rijiju emphasized India's newfound global role in Arctic exploration, marking the expedition as "historic" and underscoring its substantial importance in comprehending the Arctic's profound impact on global climate, sea levels, and biodiversity.

"This marks India's first winter expedition to the Arctic. The scientist team will reside at the Ny-Alesund research station for a duration of 30 to 45 days before being replaced by another team," shared a senior official.

India's presence in the Arctic region will now extend throughout the year, mirroring its established presence in the Antarctic near the South Pole.

India initiated its Arctic research program in 2007, focusing on studying climate change and its implications on the Indian monsoon. The government unveiled its Arctic Policy last year, outlining plans for additional research stations and satellite ground stations in the region.

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