Denmark assumed the rotating chairmanship of the Arctic Council, taking over from Norway.

• The transition comes at a time of heightened geopolitical sensitivity in the Arctic region — particularly as US President Donald Trump renews efforts to annex Greenland.

About the Arctic Council

• The Arctic is governed by the Arctic Council, an intergovernmental body formed in 1996 through the Ottawa Declaration.

Why is the Arctic Gaining Strategic Importance? 

1. Climate Change and Ice Melt: Rapid melting of Arctic ice due to global warming is opening up previously inaccessible areas for further explorations..
   • This is creating new shipping routes (e.g., the Northern Sea Route) and allowing exploration of vast natural resources like oil, gas, and rare earth metals.
2. New Maritime Trade Routes: Arctic routes can reduce shipping time and costs between Europe and Asia by up to 40%.
   • This challenges the economic dominance of traditional sea lanes such as the Suez Canal and Malacca Strait.
3. Geopolitical Competition: Russia is strengthening its military and economic presence in the Arctic.
   • The US and China are expanding their strategic focus in the region. China calls itself a “near-Arctic state” and is investing in Arctic infrastructure and research.
4. Strategic Location of Greenland: Greenland’s location offers control over North Atlantic routes and proximity to the Arctic Ocean.
   • US interest in purchasing Greenland (revived under Trump) indicates its value for military and energy strategy.
5. Energy and Resource Potential: The Arctic is estimated to hold 13% of the world’s undiscovered oil and 30% of its undiscovered gas reserves.
   • Access to these resources is becoming increasingly feasible, making the Arctic a zone of resource diplomacy.
6. Environmental and Climate Governance: The Arctic Council, though not a security body, plays a crucial role in sustainable development, climate research, and biodiversity preservation.
7. Indigenous Rights and Cooperation: The Arctic Council integrates Indigenous communities as permanent participants. Their involvement strengthens inclusive governance and sustainable practices in the region.

Significance of Arctic for India

1. Observer Role in Arctic Council: India has been an observer to the Arctic Council since 2013 and participates in meetings, enabling scientific collaboration and policy dialogue.
2. Strategic Interests in Shipping and Trade: New Arctic shipping lanes may diversify India’s energy transportation routes and reduce dependence on choke points like the Strait of Hormuz and the Malacca Strait.
3. Climate Research and Global Climate Role: India’s engagement in the Arctic enhances its climate diplomacy credentials and contributes to polar and oceanographic research (via Himadri research station in Svalbard, Norway).
4. Energy Security and Resource Access: Arctic energy reserves are of long-term interest to India for diversifying its energy basket. India has also signed MOUs with Russia for Arctic oil and gas exploration.
5. Diplomatic Leverage: Active Arctic involvement aligns India with other global powers and strengthens its claim as a responsible stakeholder in global governance.
6. Balancing China’s Arctic Ambitions: India’s calibrated presence counters China’s growing influence in Arctic affairs, ensuring that the region remains multilateral and inclusive.