India's Strategic Interest in the Arctic Region

As global trade, geopolitics, and climate change converge, the Arctic region is emerging as a critical nexus for energy, trade routes, and strategic influence. For India, which has long-standing interests in expanding its global presence, the Arctic offers substantial opportunities with certain challenges.

About the Arctic Region

The Arctic is one of the world's most fragile and important ecosystems, stretching across Canada, Russia, Greenland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, and the United States (Alaska). The region is warming at a rate nearly four times the global average, leading to environmental and geopolitical shifts. This rapid warming, alongside shrinking ice (12.2% per decade), is reshaping trade routes, access to natural resources, and international territorial claims.

Current Governance Framework in the Arctic

1. Arctic Council (1996):

   • Composed of eight nations (U.S., Canada, Russia, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland), the Arctic Council promotes environmental protection and scientific cooperation among its members.

2. United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS):

   • It governs maritime boundaries and resource rights in the Arctic Ocean, resolving some disputes but not addressing issues like climate change or indigenous rights.

3. Svalbard Treaty (1920):

   • Grants Norway sovereignty over the Svalbard Archipelago, while permitting other signatory countries to access its resources.

Significance of the Arctic Region

1. Natural Resources:

   • The Arctic region holds 13% of the world's undiscovered oil and 30% of its natural gas. As ice caps recede, these resources are becoming more accessible, prompting competition among nations to stake claims.

2. New Trade Routes:

   • The Northern Sea Route (NSR) and Northwest Passage are becoming viable alternatives to traditional routes like the Suez and Panama Canals. This is evidenced by the 37.9 million tonnes of cargo expected to be shipped through the NSR by 2024, up from just 41,000 tonnes in 2010.

India’s Strategic Interest in the Arctic

India’s engagement with the Arctic is driven by trade, energy resources, and geopolitical influence. The region aligns with India’s long-term goals of enhancing maritime trade, securing energy, and contributing to global scientific efforts.

1. Northern Sea Route (NSR):

   • The NSR, which links the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, is the shortest maritime trade route between Europe and Asia. India has significant interest in this route to reduce freight costs and bolster trade relations with Europe and Russia.

2. Energy and Resources:

   • The Arctic holds vast reserves of oil, gas, and rare earth minerals. These resources are key for India’s energy security and technological development. As the world transitions to cleaner energy sources, these resources could also play a role in energy transition technologies.

3. Geopolitical Leverage:

   • India has been an Observer in the Arctic Council since 2013, allowing it to participate in regional dialogues. This enables India to advocate for equitable resource sharing and sustainable development in the region.

India’s Engagement with the Arctic

1. Early Involvement:

   • India’s involvement began with signing the Svalbard Treaty, and it established its Arctic research base (Himadri) in 2008 in Svalbard, Norway. Indian researchers focus on studying the impact of Arctic ice loss on global climate patterns and monsoon systems in India.

2. Scientific Contributions:

   • Through the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), India conducts studies on marine biodiversity, glacial dynamics, and climate patterns. These contributions help build an understanding of the interlinked ecosystems between the Arctic and the rest of the world.

3. India’s Arctic Policy (2022):

   • India's policy aims at building partnerships for sustainable development in the Arctic. It emphasizes scientific cooperation, environmental conservation, and energy security.

4. Arctic Circle India Forum, 2025:

   • This upcoming forum is set to strengthen India’s Arctic policy by aligning its priorities with both regional and global interests. The forum could also lead to the creation of a Polar Ambassador, further bolstering India's representation in Arctic affairs.

Challenges and Concerns

1. Environmental Concerns:

   • The Arctic is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, and increased activity could exacerbate environmental degradation. Global temperatures have already breached the 1.5°C threshold in 2024, signaling potential long-term deviations from the Paris Agreement. India must balance commercial interests with its commitment to global sustainability.

2. Infrastructure Development:

   • Navigating the Arctic requires specialized infrastructure, including ice-breaking fleets and polar-ready ships. The Indian Union Budget for 2025-26 allocated $3 billion for maritime development, which includes investments in Arctic-specific shipbuilding.

3. Territorial Disputes:

   • Several Arctic nations, including Russia, Canada, and Denmark, have made claims to extend their seabed sovereignty beyond the 200-nautical-mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), based on the natural prolongation of their continental shelves. India’s participation in these disputes is limited but could play a role in multilateral discussions.

India’s Strategic Dilemma

India faces a delicate balancing act in its Arctic strategy:

1. Partnership with Russia:

   • Russia is a key player in the Arctic, with extensive expertise in Arctic exploration. India’s partnership with Russia, such as the Chennai-Vladivostok Maritime Corridor, could provide access to Arctic ports like Pevek and Tiksi along the NSR. However, aligning too closely with Russia could inadvertently support China’s Polar Silk Road, a northern extension of its Belt and Road Initiative.

2. Geopolitical Implications:

   • China’s increasing presence in the Arctic is a concern for Western nations, particularly the U.S. India must navigate these tensions carefully. By balancing its relationships with Russia, Western countries, and Japan or South Korea, India can avoid alienating key partners and secure its interests in the region.

Way Forward for India

1. Streamlining Arctic Policy:

   • India’s Arctic Policy (2022) should focus on actionable goals such as capacity building, technological innovation, and increasing scientific collaborations with Arctic nations.

2. Promoting Sustainable Practices:

   • India must advocate for eco-friendly resource extraction methods, ensuring sustainable development while mitigating environmental impacts.

3. Strengthening Research and Development:

   • Expanding Arctic research and focusing on climate change studies will help India stay at the forefront of global efforts to address the environmental challenges posed by Arctic warming.

4. Multilateral Collaboration:

   • India should actively engage in multilateral forums to strengthen its relationships with Arctic and observer nations, including Russia, Japan, South Korea, and others. This collaboration can enhance India’s strategic presence in the region.

Conclusion

India’s potential in the Arctic is vast, extending beyond trade routes to include energy security and scientific research. By adopting a balanced approach that emphasizes sustainability, cooperation, and strategic partnerships, India can position itself as a key player in the Arctic’s future, helping shape its evolving geopolitical, economic, and environmental landscape