Answer

The Arctic is warming at twice the global rate, unveiling new shipping lanes and resource opportunities, while raising geopolitical competition. India, an Arctic Council Observer since 2013, has set forth a comprehensive strategy to enhance its scientific, energy, and diplomatic presence, promoting sustainable engagement in the region.

Reasons behind Arctic being a new Geopolitical Hotspot

• Melting Ice Opens Shipping Routes: The reduced sea ice in the Arctic is making the Northern Sea Route (NSR) and Northwest Passage navigable, reducing Asia-Europe voyage times by up to 40%, prompting nations to secure control over these strategic corridors.
• Vast Hydrocarbon Reserves: The Arctic is estimated to hold 90 billion barrels of oil and 1,670 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, leading to intense competition for its energy resources.
  For example: A 2010 USGS study revealed the Arctic’s untapped resources, accounting for 30% of the world’s undiscovered gas and 13% of oil.
• Strategic Military Posturing: Arctic nations are expanding military capabilities by deploying ice-capable vessels, air bases, and conducting surveillance, elevating the region’s military importance.
• Climate-Security Nexus: Arctic warming leads to permafrost thawing, releasing greenhouse gases and disrupting global weather systems, impacting India’s food security and climate patterns.
• Polar Governance Vacuum: As the global commons, the Arctic lacks a clear legal framework, prompting calls for new governance models to manage resources and geopolitical competition.
  For example: India’s 2022 Arctic policy advocates for a rules-based order under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), calling for multilateral collaboration among Arctic and non-Arctic states.

India’s Potential Role in the Arctic

• Scientific Research Leadership: India’s National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) has been conducting important research on glaciers, oceanography, and atmospheric conditions, linking Arctic data to Indian climate models.
• Energy and Mineral Exploration: India can leverage its expertise in deep-sea drilling and geophysical surveys to collaborate in the Arctic’s offshore energy exploration under rigorous environmental guidelines.
• Maritime Connectivity Advocate: India can spearhead the study of viable Arctic-Asia maritime corridors, promoting cold-chain logistics and improving shipping infrastructure.
  For example: India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in 2024, discussed initiatives with Finland to deploy ice-class vessels to optimize trade routes between India and the European Union.
• Climate Diplomacy Bridge-Builder: India can play a key role in mediating between Global South nations and Arctic states, advocating for climate adaptation funding and research initiatives.
  For example: At COP28, India played a key role in supporting the Loss and Damage Fund, positioning itself as a champion of climate justice for vulnerable countries.
• Multilateral Governance Contributor: India can contribute to strengthening the Arctic Council by enhancing science-policy connections and advocating for indigenous rights and sustainable development.
  For example: India will host the 2025 Arctic Circle Forum in New Delhi with the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), aiming to bring together Arctic and Asian experts for a multilateral dialogue.

Balancing Development, Environment, and Geopolitics

• Adopting Sustainable Standards: India must push for zero-emission protocols for all Arctic operations and promote Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) for any shipping or exploration activities in the region.
  For example: India’s Arctic policy advocates the adoption of the IMO Polar Code, which governs operational standards for ships in icy waters.
• Leveraging Technology for Monitoring: India can deploy satellite and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology to monitor marine pollution and sea-ice conditions, ensuring real-time data tracking.
• Diversifying Partnerships: India can balance its ties with Russia (energy and shipping) and Nordic countries (green technologies) while collaborating with the US and EU on security and governance norms.
• Strengthening Legal Frameworks: India should advocate for updates to UNCLOS that govern deep-sea mining and resource extraction, ensuring equitable resource-sharing and environmental protections.
• Community-Centric Approach: India must support the integration of indigenous knowledge and ensure equitable benefit-sharing in Arctic governance to empower local communities.
  

India’s engagement in the Arctic region must be underpinned by scientific innovation, diplomatic dexterity, and a commitment to environmental sustainability. By advancing multilateral cooperation, fostering green technologies, and protecting global commons, India can enhance its influence while promoting a stable, rules-based Arctic order.

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