India and Russia are negotiating a joint scientific project in the Arctic, comparable in significance to the International Space Station (ISS). This was stated by the director of the Russian Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute (AARI), Alexander Makarov.
He noted that Russia is already conducting a powerful scientific project in the Arctic - the drifting expedition "North Pole". This expedition is carried out with the support of a unique ice-resistant platform, which is equipped with modern equipment for scientific work in high latitudes. Indian colleagues have expressed interest in the possibility of joining these studies.
If you look at most major projects, such as the ISS or the Large Hadron Collider, they are all international. A similar experience could be implemented in the Arctic with the participation of our colleagues from India, among others.
Makarov also announced the upcoming start of a series of working meetings with representatives of scientific institutions in India. These meetings will discuss possible directions and topics for studying the natural environment of the Arctic region.
India's interest in the Arctic has increased significantly recently due to climate changes that affect monsoons in India. This leads to changes in the seasonality and intensity of monsoons, which affects agriculture and the lives of Indian citizens.
Russian-Indian cooperation in the Arctic may have a long-term perspective. Makarov recalled that Russia and India have been working together in Antarctica for quite some time under a relevant agreement, which may be expanded. According to the director of AARI, Indian scientists have long been conducting their own research in the Arctic, but do not want to miss the opportunity to work together with Russia in this region. Scientists emphasize the importance of studying the natural environment for timely adaptation to climate change and minimizing potential damage.
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