India keen to expand participation in scientific projects in the Arctic
India is interested in expanding its participation in joint projects and research in the Arctic – as stated by Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, speaking at the opening of the 2nd CII India Nordic Baltic Business Conclave, TASS reports
The official recalled that India is an observer in the Arctic Council. “It is interested in increasing its stake further in joint research and development projects and exploring rare earth mining, water, telecommunication, science, technology, innovation, and telemedicine opportunities,” he said.
According to him, after the launch of the Chandrayaan-3 mission and the successful landing of its module, the world saw India’s sci-tech potential. “Given the fast-transforming nature of space technology, the significance of launching sites in the Arctic region and commercialisation of space and geospatial sectors in India can boost public-private collaboration,” Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said.
On August 23rd, the lander module of the Chandrayaan-3 Vikram mission successfully landed near the South Pole of the Earth’s natural satellite. India became the fourth country in the world to achieve a soft landing on the Moon after the USSR, USA and China. The module delivered the small lunar rover Pragyan to the Earth’s satellite, which completed its scientific program on September 2nd.
The Arctic Council is an intergovernmental organisation of Arctic states. Norway currently holds the chairmanship.
