India’s Strategic and Sustainable Engagement in the Arctic

India’s Strategic and Sustainable Engagement in the Arctic

Syllabus:

GS-3:

Environmental Pollution & DegradationConservation

Focus:

The upcoming Arctic Circle India Forum 2025 in New Delhi marks a significant diplomatic step in contextualizing India’s Arctic strategy. With increasing trade through the Northern Sea Route (NSR) and rising climate concerns, India’s proactive role is crucial to balance economic interests, geopolitical alignment, and environmental sustainability.

India’s Strategic and Sustainable Engagement in the Arctic

Strategic Importance of the Arctic in Changing Global Dynamics

The Arctic as a Climate and Geopolitical Indicator

  • The Arctic is a critical climate indicator, witnessing rapid ice melt, signaling severe environmental changes.
  • As ice recedes, new trade routes like the Northern Sea Route (NSR) are emerging, providing both opportunities and strategic challenges.
  • The region holds untapped natural resources, adding to its geopolitical significance.

The Rise of the Northern Sea Route (NSR)

  • The NSR links the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, offering the shortest maritime route between Europe and Asia.
  • It reduces shipping time and freight costs, becoming a viable alternative to traditional routes like the Suez Canal.
  • According to NASA, September Arctic sea-ice is shrinking by 2% per decade, transforming maritime logistics.

Global Realignment and the Arctic’s Emergence

  • Due to fracturing trade blocs, countries are seeking alternate supply chains and routes.
  • The growing number of Observer States in the Arctic Council highlights the region’s increasing strategic relevance.
  • Melting Arctic ice is affecting monsoon patterns and agricultural output in regions like South Asia, particularly India.

Understanding Arctic Region: Location and Geography

●      Located at the northernmost part of Earth, centered around the North Pole.

●      Encompasses the Arctic Ocean and parts of Canada, Russia, USA (Alaska), Norway, and Greenland.

●      Characterized by extreme cold, with large areas covered in sea ice, especially in winter.

Climate and Environment

●      Known for sub-zero temperatures and permafrost conditions.

●      Ice cover plays a key role in climate regulation by reflecting solar radiation.

●      Home to a unique biodiversity, including polar bears, whales, seals, and Arctic birds.

About the India’s Presence in the Arctic:

●      India’s involvement began in 1920 with the signing of the Svalbard Treaty in Paris.

●      Launched its first Arctic research mission in 2007 focusing on microbiology, atmospheric science, and geology.

●      Established Himadri, a permanent research station in 2008, in Svalbard, Norway.

●      India was granted Observer status at the Arctic Council in 2013.

●      Set up a multi-sensor observatory (2014) and an atmospheric lab (2016).

●      Research areas include Arctic ice systems, glacier dynamics, and impact on Indian monsoons and the Himalayas.

India’s Existing Engagement and Policy Initiatives

India’s Early Arctic Engagement

  • India signed the Svalbard Treaty in 1920, establishing its early Arctic engagement.
  • It operates an Arctic research station, Himadri, in Svalbard, Norway, making it one of the few developing countries, besides China, with such presence.

India’s Arctic Policy (2022)

  • India released its Arctic Policy in 2022, emphasizing sustainable development, scientific research, and environmental protection.
  • The policy aims to uphold peaceful exploration and inclusive governance of the Arctic region.

Research Collaboration and Agricultural Implications

  • A joint study by the Institute for Governance and Sustainable Development and National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) explores how Arctic changes affect India’s climate and agriculture.
  • Findings emphasize the need for climate-adaptive policy frameworks in India, especially for monsoon-dependent farming.

Building Maritime Infrastructure and Strategic Capabilities

Enhancing Shipbuilding and Maritime Capacity

  • The harsh Arctic conditions require specialized ice-class vessels and icebreakers.
  • India’s 2025–26 Union Budget allocated $3 billion under the Maritime Development Fund to boost shipbuilding infrastructure.
  • Emphasis is on creating shipbuilding clusters and developing Arctic-suitable vessels to ensure navigational readiness.

Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing

  • India must participate in multilateral forums for training, knowledge sharing, and skill development related to Arctic exploration.
  • The upcoming Arctic Circle India Forum on May 3–4, 2025, in New Delhi offers a strategic platform for dialogue.
  • Appointing a Polar Ambassador could enhance India’s diplomatic outreach and represent its Arctic interests

Balancing Environmental Sustainability with Strategic Interests

The Climate Crisis and Arctic Fragility

  • Arctic shipping has surged from 41,000 tonnes in 2010 to 9 million tonnes in 2024, raising environmental alarms.
  • A Nature Climate Change study reveals that global temperatures in 2024 breached the 5°C limit, a key Paris Agreement benchmark.
  • This raises concerns about a long-term breach of climate goals and the fragility of polar ecosystems.

Sustainable Trade and Strategic Calculations

  • India faces a strategic dilemma — how to balance between economic interests and environmental responsibility.
  • It must engage in climate-smart Arctic development, adhering to scientific data and global commitments.
  • Promoting inclusive Arctic governance and sustainability frameworks will be vital.

Geopolitical Partnerships and India’s Strategic Choices

India-Russia Arctic Cooperation

  • Russia, with its Arctic expertise and coastline, is a natural partner for India in exploring the NSR.
  • In 2023, a working group on NSR was established during PM Modi’s visit to Moscow.
  • The Chennai–Vladivostok Maritime Corridor can act as a strategic link to NSR ports such as Pevek, Tiksi, and Sabetta.

Navigating Great Power Rivalries

  • Partnering too closely with Russia may imply indirect support to China’s Polar Silk Road, part of its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
  • China could use the NSR to bypass the Malacca Strait, gaining a strategic edge.
  • Aligning solely with the S. might limit India’s access to Russian-controlled Arctic resources, creating diplomatic constraints.

Towards a Balanced Multilateral Approach

  • India should strive to balance ties with both the West and Russia while promoting a multipolar Arctic architecture.
  • Japan and South Korea, sharing India’s concerns, could be ideal allies in advocating equitable Arctic governance.
  • Together, this trilateral group can push for inclusive reforms in the Arctic Council, challenging unilateral dominance.

Conclusion: Strategic Vision for a Critical Decade

  • India’s Arctic engagement now requires timely action, strategic foresight, and a sustainable approach.
  • With trade routes shifting and climate tipping points nearing, 2025 could become a defining year for India’s Arctic ambitions.
  • India must act decisively to claim a meaningful stake in the emerging Arctic order, aligning economic aspirations with climate commitments and geopolitical balance.

Source: TH

Mains Practice Question :

India’s Arctic policy must navigate the delicate balance between strategic interests, environmental concerns, and global power dynamics. Discuss the potential of India’s engagement in the Arctic region, highlighting opportunities, challenges, and the way forward in light of emerging trade routes and climate change impacts.