[Answered] Discuss the implications of the increasing militarization of the Arctic region for India’s strategic and economic interests. What policies and strategies should India adopt to safeguard its interests in the Arctic while promoting peaceful and sustainable development?

Introduction

The Arctic, long perceived as a remote and inhospitable region, is rapidly transforming into a geopolitical hotspot due to melting ice caps and the opening of strategic sea routes and resource frontiers. The militarization of the Arctic—marked by increased deployment by Russia, NATO, and China’s expanding Arctic strategy—raises concerns for non-Arctic states like India, whose interests lie in peaceful scientific cooperation, maritime connectivity, and resource access. India must navigate this evolving landscape through a balanced blend of diplomacy, science, and strategic foresight.

Implications for India

1. Strategic Concerns & Restricted Access: The growing military footprint of Arctic powers may restrict freedom of navigation and access to global commons like the Northern Sea Route (NSR), impacting India’s maritime aspirations.
2. China’s Arctic Advance: China’s 2018 “Polar Silk Road” and investment in Arctic infrastructure challenge India’s presence in Arctic governance, potentially leading to strategic exclusion.
3. Economic Risks and Energy Security at Stake: Arctic reserves hold ~13% of the world’s untapped oil and 30% of natural gas. Militarized competition may complicate India’s efforts to invest in or access these resources.
4. Trade Route Disruptions: Geopolitical instability and conflict in the Arctic could disrupt the viability of NSR, which could reduce shipping time between Mumbai and Rotterdam by up to 40%.
5. Investment Deterrence: Rising tensions may deter private and public Indian investment in Arctic infrastructure, shipping, and technology collaborations.
6. Global Governance and Scientific Marginalization: Militarization undermines cooperative frameworks like the Arctic Council, where India holds Observer Status since 2013. It could lead to scientific exclusion and dilute India’s multilateral influence on climate and biodiversity issues.

Policy and Strategic Recommendations

1. Strengthen Scientific Diplomacy: Expand research at Himadri Station and upgrade the IndARC observatory for real-time data on Arctic-monsoon linkages. Enhance contributions to Arctic Council working groups on climate, disaster resilience, and indigenous cooperation.
2. Establish a National Arctic Research Institute: A dedicated institution, akin to NCPOR, should integrate scientific, strategic, and policy research to coordinate India’s Arctic engagement.
3. Strategic Maritime Engagement: India must invest in Arctic-ready vessels through partnerships with Russia or Norway and join multilateral forums discussing Arctic maritime security and law of the sea.
4. Engage in Arctic Norm-Building: Promote demilitarization and sustainable development norms in international forums like UNGA, G20, and SCO, positioning India as a voice for cooperative Arctic governance.
5. Leverage Technology and Private Sector: Utilize ISRO’s satellite capabilities for Arctic monitoring, and incentivize Indian startups in green Arctic technologies, logistics, and remote sensing.
6. Diversify Energy Strategy: While pursuing Arctic hydrocarbons, concurrently invest in 2G biofuels and renewable energy to reduce overdependence on geopolitically sensitive regions.

Conclusion

As militarization threatens to shift the Arctic from a global commons to a contested arena, India’s stakes—ranging from climate resilience to energy security and maritime access—are increasingly vulnerable. A principled Arctic engagement, rooted in scientific excellence, diplomatic agility, and strategic partnerships, is essential. By championing peaceful development and multilateral cooperation, India can assert its interests while contributing to a stable and sustainable Arctic future.