| Introduction: Contextual Introduction Body: Strategic implications of India’s engagement in the Arctic and how to balance its interests. Conclusion: Way forward |
India’s increased engagement in the Arctic region reflects its growing recognition of the strategic significance of the area amid shifting global geopolitics.
Strategic Implications
- Reduce Cost: New Delhi is aware of the potential benefits of utilizing Arctic Sea routes, particularly the Northern Sea Route, for Indian trade. This could lead to cost savings for shipping companies by reducing time, fuel, and security expenses associated with transporting goods.
- Geopolitical Positioning: As the Arctic garners increased global attention, competition among major powers such as the US, Russia, and China intensifies. India’s presence in the region enables it to participate in shaping governance and development policies, ensuring its voice is heard amidst this competition.
- Scientific Research: Himadri, India’s research station in the International Arctic Research Base at Svalbard in Norway serves multiple purposes. It enhances India’s scientific capabilities, contributes to global knowledge about climate change and its impacts, and provides valuable insights into the region’s environmental dynamics.
Balancing Interests
- Environmental Concerns: India’s Arctic policy needs to strike a balance between environmental and economic goals. The loss of ice in the Arctic presents serious ecological problems, making the region extremely vulnerable to climate change. To reduce its ecological imprint in the area, India should place a high priority on environmental conservation and sustainable development methods. This could entail funding conservation initiatives, encouraging ethical resource extraction methods, and investing in sustainable energy technologies.
- International collaboration: India’s strategy is to cooperate with Arctic nations on green energy and sustainable industries to enhance its responsible stakeholder image. Collaborations with Denmark and Finland focus on waste management, pollution control, renewable energy, and green technology. Partnering with Norway could offer significant benefits, facilitating greater involvement in Arctic Council working groups tackling issues like the blue economy and responsible resource development. Despite interest in Arctic resource exploitation, India must support sustainable extraction practices unequivocally.
Conclusion
A partnership with Norway is expected to emphasize scientific research and climate/environmental protection, aligning with two pillars of India’s Arctic Policy. Economic opportunities in the Arctic remain of interest to India, and collaboration with Norway could aid in crafting a sustainable policy balancing scientific endeavors and industry needs.
