The India Forum was co-hosted by Arctic Circle and the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Earth Sciences of India. It took place in New Delhi on 3-4 May 2025.
The theme of the Forum was The Polar Order: The Arctic and Asia | Science – Geopolitics – Climate – Business. It focused on Asia’s growing role in Arctic affairs, including polar research cooperation, business opportunities, climate and sustainable development, maritime activities, and geopolitical dynamics. With Asia seeking to play a growing role in Arctic affairs, the event highlighted how developments in the region were shaping global politics, trade, and sustainability—especially in a time of heightened geopolitical instability.
Hosted in India, the Forum underscored the Arctic’s growing relevance beyond its immediate region. Sessions focused on Arctic shipping, renewable energy, and resource management, and helped businesses and institutions connect with international experts. In times of rising temperatures and tensions, uplifting and prioritising scientific cooperation was considered vital to address global challenges.
With an intensified global interest in the Arctic, the India Forum provided a platform for critical discussions on cooperation, competition, and the future of the polar regions in an evolving world order.