India will begin its first winter science expedition to the Arctic region on Tuesday as part of efforts to maintain a year-round presence at its research station Himadri. Himadri is India’s first permanent Arctic research station, which is located in Svalbard, Norway.

India’s Minister of Earth Sciences will flag off the first winter expedition of four scientists to the Arctic region. During the expedition, the scientists will make atmospheric observations, carry out auroral studies, and study changes in sea ice.

This is the first winter expedition to the Arctic. The team of scientists will stay at the research station in Ny-Ålesund for 30 to 45 days and then will be replaced by another team, a senior official said.

This expedition will enable India to have a year-long presence in the Arctic, similar to its presence in the Antarctic.

India launched its Arctic Research Programme in 2007. It focuses on climate change and the connection between the Arctic climate and the Indian monsoon.

Last year, the government shared plans to build more research stations and satellite ground stations in the region under its Arctic policy.

Source: Deccan Herald

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