India needs a stronger strategy for Arctic

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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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

1. 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.
2. Old Patterns, New Intensity: Militarisation isn’t new, but it’s now more aggressive and visible. Strategic positioning is becoming more frequent and deliberate.
3. 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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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

1. 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.
2. Ignoring Strategic Realities: However, the policy underestimates the Arctic’s strategic transformation. India’s non-political approach now appears outdated.
3. 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

1. Institutional Strengthening: India should establish dedicated Arctic units in its ministries, hold regular inter-agency discussions, and involve think tanks.
2. Partnerships with Like-Minded States: India can collaborate on dual-use areas like polar logistics, maritime monitoring, and satellite data to build credibility.
3. 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.