Delegation Details and Agenda
New Delhi, Oct 7 (IANS) Minister of State for External Affairs and Environment, Forest and Climate Change Kirti Vardhan Singh will lead the Indian delegation to Iceland's Reykjavik from October 8-10 to participate in the annual Arctic Circle Assembly (ACA), the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Wednesday.
At ACA 2026, MoS Singh will participate in a plenary session titled 'Melting Poles: Perspectives from India and Singapore.' He is also scheduled to deliver opening remarks at the session 'Arctic and Climate Change Perspectives from Observer States,' which is organized by India.
Policy Framework and Regional Inter-linkages
The MEA noted that India's Arctic Policy 2022 is based on six pillars covering science, climate and environment, economic development, connectivity, governance, and capacity building. The ministry stated that given the growing inter-linkages between the Arctic and Indo-Pacific regions, India has been enhancing cooperation with the Arctic, particularly in the fields of polar research, climate, and environmental issues.
MoS Singh will present India’s perspective on various aspects of the Arctic during the ACA meetings, according to the ministry.
Diplomatic Engagements
While in Reykjavik, MoS Singh is scheduled to hold a bilateral discussion with the Foreign Minister of Iceland. The MEA described bilateral relations between India and Iceland as friendly, noting they have expanded significantly due to the recent landmark India-EFTA TEPA, regular high-level diplomatic dialogues, and partnerships in geothermal, fisheries, and clean energy.
The Arctic Circle Assembly Context
The event serves as a critical platform for international dialogue on polar issues. The Arctic Circle Assembly is the largest annual international gathering on the Arctic, attended by up to 2500 participants from over 70 countries. It is held every October in Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Center in Reykjavik, Iceland.
The logistical and organizational backbone of this gathering rests with the Arctic Circle Secretariat. Based in Reykjavík, the Secretariat is responsible for organizing the assembly and forums, running various Arctic Circle platforms, and managing communication and collaboration with partners, governments, media, and those interested in the Arctic.