[Answered] Critically evaluate the current governance mechanisms for the Arctic. How can India contribute to reforming Arctic governance for better climate protection?

The governance mechanisms for the Arctic are primarily based on international agreements and cooperation among the Arctic states. The primary forum for Arctic governance is the Arctic Council, an intergovernmental organization established in 1996. The Arctic Council consists of eight Arctic states: Canada, Denmark (including Greenland and the Faroe Islands), Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and the United States.

Critical Evaluation of Governance Mechanism in the Arctic

• Security challenges: As certain major nations, notably Russia and the United States, strengthen their military presence in the Arctic, the region is becoming more militarized. This gives governance issues a security component.
• Limited Representation: Despite their concerns about global climate change, non-Arctic states like India are not full members of the Arctic Council and have little influence over the region’s governance rules.
• Cooperative Framework: The Arctic Council provides a platform for Arctic states to engage in diplomatic cooperation and dialogue on various issues, including climate change and environmental protection.
• Inclusion of Indigenous Peoples: The inclusion of indigenous organizations ensures that the voices and concerns of indigenous communities in the Arctic are heard.

Role of India in reforming Arctic governance for climate protection

• Observer status: India can take part in debates, influence policy decisions, and offer knowledge on mitigating and adapting to climate change because of its observer status in the Arctic Council. The active involvement of India as a member of the Arctic Council to voice the concerns of the Global South could help push for an end to further exploitation.
• Research Cooperation: India can work with Arctic states and organizations to conduct scientific studies about climate change and the Arctic. Through collaboration, the effects of climate change in the area can be better understood and addressed.
• Environmental Protection: India might push for more stringent regulations in the Arctic region to safeguard the ecosystem. To reduce environmental harm, this can entail advocating for stronger laws governing shipping, resource extraction, and pollution control.
• Global Leadership: By highlighting the interdependence of climate-related issues and the significance of tackling climate change on a global scale, India can assume a leading role in promoting a global climate change agenda.

Conclusion

Given its increasing influence in international geopolitics, India ought to advocate for a consensus-building strategy underpinned by sustainability principles to develop an all-encompassing framework for Arctic governance.