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The Arctic region, the northernmost part of Earth, has recently made headlines due to Russian efforts to strengthen its presence in the area. With its economic, geographical, strategic and environmental significance, the Arctic is drawing attention from across the globe. This article will explore the recent developments, the importance of the Arctic and how India fits into this geopolitical puzzle.
The Rising Arctic Power: Russia
In showcasing its dominance in the Arctic, Russia has launched two nuclear-powered icebreakers, scheduled for year-round navigation in the Western Arctic. The country has been working systematically to re-equip and replenish its domestic icebreaker fleet as a measure to bolster Russia’s status as an “Arctic power.”
Additionally, Russia is focusing on the Arctic for scientific development and sustainable navigation. It foresees the Arctic as a critical transport corridor that will enhance logistic efficiency, including exports to South East Asia. With the opening of the Northern Sea Route, Russia will cut down time to reach Asia by up to two weeks compared to the current Suez Canal route.
The Geopolitical Significance of the Arctic Region
The Arctic region holds substantial sway for its economic, geographical, strategic, and environmental values. It offers rich deposits of coal, diamonds, gypsum, and significant reserves of zinc, lead, placer gold, and quartz. The region also accounts for about 10% of global oil and 25% of natural gas production, with estimations reflecting it’s potential to hold 22% of the undiscovered oil and gas reserves of the earth.
Geographically, the Arctic plays a crucial role in distributing ocean currents worldwide. Further, the region’s sea ice acts as a massive reflector, bouncing back the sun’s rays into space and helping maintain earth temperature. However, climate change is making the Arctic more strategically significant as the melting ice cap opens up new sea lanes. Countries are racing to augment their capabilities to utilize these changing conditions, like China’s ambitious plan for a polar silk route to connect to Europe.
Environmental concerns also link the Arctic to the Himalayas. Understanding the Arctic meltdown is helping scientists to better comprehend the glacial melt in the Himalayas, often termed the “third pole.”
India’s Stance on the Arctic
India has shown interest in the Arctic since 2007 with 13 research expeditions undertaken till date. In March 2022, India unveiled its first Arctic policy titled ‘India and the Arctic: building a partnership for sustainable development.’ The policy has six key pillars: enhancing scientific research and cooperation, climate and environmental protection, promoting economic and human development, ensuring transportation and connectivity, governance and international cooperation, and boosting India’s capacity in the Arctic region.
India is also part of the Arctic Council, an intergovernmental forum that facilitates cooperation among Arctic countries on issues related to environmental protection and the sustainable development of the region.
The Future of Arctic Engagement
As global warming intensifies, particularly at the poles, competition for the Arctic is set to quicken. The region is becoming a geopolitical hotspot encompassing environmental, economic, political, and military interests.
India’s Arctic Policy comes at a crucial time and is expected to guide policymakers on India’s engagement with the region. Emphasizing safe and sustainable resource exploration and development, multilateral actions considering cumulative environmental impacts will be essential in moving forward.
While this article can’t touch every aspect of the multifaceted Arctic issue, it certainly provides an overview of the main points. As the race for Arctic heats up, the world watches on, waiting to see how this geopolitical tug-of-war will unfold.
