Source: The post India needs a stronger strategy for Arctic has been created, based on the article “India must rethink its Arctic outlook” published in “The Hindu” on 5 May 2025. India needs a stronger strategy for Arctic.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2-International Relations — Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.
Context: The Arctic, long viewed as a peaceful zone for science and conservation, is now turning into a stage for military and geopolitical rivalry. Climate change and strategic ambitions of major powers have accelerated this shift. Non-Arctic countries like India must now adapt to these evolving dynamics.
For detailed information on India’s potential in Arctic region read this article here
Geopolitics Redraw the Arctic Map
- From Margins to the Main Stage: The Arctic is no longer marginal to global politics. Climate change has unlocked maritime routes and resource access. The Northern Sea Route (NSR), once seasonally open, is now a viable shipping lane with rising traffic that may alter global trade patterns.
- Competing Ambitions of Great Powers: Russia is growing more assertive, China is expanding its Arctic footprint, and the U.S. is renewing interest in Greenland. These moves signal the Arctic’s entry into great power rivalry.
- The Strategic Value of Greenland: Donald Trump’s 2019 proposal to buy Greenland reflected the Arctic’s growing strategic value. It indicated a recognition that the region is now central to global power dynamics.
Militarisation of the High North
- Rising Military Presence: Arctic states are reviving military bases, deploying submarines, and making visible shows of force. Control over the region is now a high-stakes issue.
- Old Patterns, New Intensity: Militarisation isn’t new, but it’s now more aggressive and visible. Strategic positioning is becoming more frequent and deliberate.
- Strategic Implications for Non-Arctic States: The militarisation also affects countries like India. Despite being impacted, India remains mostly disengaged from these unfolding strategic changes.
Strategic Stakes for India
- Impact on Maritime Trade Routes: As the NSR becomes viable, trade may shift northward, affecting India’s Indian Ocean sea-lane relevance and its SAGAR and IPOI visions.
- Arctic-Indo-Pacific Linkages: China’s Arctic and Indian Ocean presence and its coordination with Russia blur boundaries between the regions, challenging India’s maritime focus.
- Perception Challenges in the Arctic: Nordic unease over India’s Russia ties adds pressure. India must demonstrate that strategic autonomy can still foster cooperative outcomes.
India’s Arctic Engagement: Present and Gaps
- A Climate-Driven Arctic Policy: India’s 2022 Arctic Policy focuses on science, sustainability, and climate parallels with the Himalayan “Third Pole.” It links Arctic changes to South Asia’s water and weather systems.
- Ignoring Strategic Realities: However, the policy underestimates the Arctic’s strategic transformation. India’s non-political approach now appears outdated.
- Inadequate Strategic Presence: India maintains a research station in Svalbard and holds observer status in the Arctic Council. These roles were created for a more cooperative era, which is now breaking down.
Towards a More Purposeful Arctic Strategy
- Institutional Strengthening: India should establish dedicated Arctic units in its ministries, hold regular inter-agency discussions, and involve think tanks.
- Partnerships with Like-Minded States: India can collaborate on dual-use areas like polar logistics, maritime monitoring, and satellite data to build credibility.
- Claiming a Governance Role: India must engage emerging Arctic forums on infrastructure, shipping, and digital standards, while respecting local communities and avoiding extractive approaches.
Conclusion
India’s climate-led Arctic stance has value, but it no longer meets current strategic demands. A passive posture risks exclusion from a new Arctic order defined by power.
Question for practice:
Evaluate how India’s current Arctic policy falls short in addressing the region’s emerging strategic and geopolitical challenges.
