The Northern Sea Route (NSR), which starts from Murmansk, the Arctic Region’s capital, is seeing a growing trend of Indian involvement in cargo traffic. A third of the eight million tonnes of cargo handled by the Murmansk port in the first seven months of 2023 was attributed to India. Murmansk is located about 2,000 km northwest of Moscow, Russia.
India and the Significance of the Arctic
The Arctic region holds untapped hydrocarbon reserves making it the largest unexplored area with potential oil and gas reserves on earth. It’s projected to hold over 40% of current global oil and gas reserves. Further, it’s rich in minerals such as coal, gypsum, diamonds, zinc, lead, placer gold and quartz. This gives the Arctic region the ability to address India’s energy security needs and resource deficiencies. Consequently, India’s economic development approach in the Arctic is guided by the UN Sustainable Development Goals as per the government’s 2022 Arctic Policy.
Historical Engagement of India with the Arctic
India’s association with the Arctic region can be traced back to the signing of the Svalbard Treaty in 1920. Over the years, India has conducted various scientific research studies, focusing on atmospheric, biological, marine, and hydrological aspects. The establishment of the Himadri research station, operationalisation of multi-sensor moored observatory and opening of northernmost atmospheric laboratory reiterate India’s commitment to Arctic research.
Geographical and Environmental Significance of the Arctic
The geographical significance of the Arctic lies in its regulation of world’s ocean currents, moving cold and warm water across the globe. Its sea ice acts as a massive reflector, bouncing some sunlight back into space, thus helping maintain Earth’s temperature. Interestingly, the Arctic and the Himalayas share similar environmental concerns, despite geographical distance. Understanding the Arctic meltdown assists scientists in comprehending the glacial melt in the Himalayas – often referred to as the ‘third pole.’
India’s Foreign Trade and the North Sea Route
The North Sea Route, straddling across four seas of the Arctic Ocean, is the shortest freight transportation route between Europe and Asia-Pacific region countries. Compared to traditional routes via Suez or Panama Canals, it offers potential distance savings of up to 50%. The 2021 Suez Canal Blockage heightened NSR interest as an alternative trade route. Russia plays a significant role in its development by providing the world’s only nuclear-powered icebreaker fleet for safe navigation.
India’s Engagement with NSR and Future Developments
India’s engagement with NSR is driven by increasing cargo traffic and expanding imports of Russian Crude Oil and coal. NSR suits India’s trade-centred economy, offering potential as a transit route. Additionally, India’s interest in NSR is strengthened due to the Chennai-Vladivostok Maritime Corridor (CVMC) project, offering a shorter and efficient trade route. A workshop between India and Russia is anticipated to provide a platform for advancing the CVMC project.
Concluding Remarks: India’s Position in the Arctic Region
India’s involvement in the Arctic region, coupled with increasing participation in the NSR, reflects its strategic focus on economic security, environmental sustainability, and trade efficiency. As the Arctic undergoes transformations, it’s likely that India’s role in the region will evolve, shaping its global interests economically and geopolitically.
