The Arctic is becoming a global hotspot

Source: The post The Arctic is becoming a global hotspot. has been created, based on the article “Why are tensions high in the Arctic?” published in “The Hindu” on 1 April 2025. The Arctic is becoming a global hotspot.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2-International Relations-Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.

Context: The Arctic, long isolated by ice, is now attracting global attention due to rapid climate change. Melting ice caps are exposing untapped natural resources and new trade routes. This shift has triggered territorial claims, military posturing, and fears of conflict among global powers.

Reason for the Arctic Becoming a Hotspot of Global Interest

The Arctic, once inaccessible due to thick ice, is now opening up. Melting ice is revealing major resources and trade paths. The region is estimated to hold:

• 13% of the world’s undiscovered oil
• 30% of untapped natural gas
• Rich deposits of rare earth elements and copper
• Valuable fishing grounds
• The Northeast Passage, a shorter route for China-Europe trade, saving around 8,000 km

Control and Claim on the Arctic

1. Control and Governance: The Arctic is managed by eight countries — Canada, Denmark (via Greenland), Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and the U.S. These form the Arctic Council, focusing on environment and indigenous rights.
2. Legal Framework: The Arctic is governed under UNCLOS, which allows countries to extend seabed claims beyond 200 nautical miles, based on geological continuity of the continental shelf.
3. Claims and Infrastructure: Canada, Denmark, and Russia have submitted overlapping seabed claims. Russia stands out with the largest fleet of icebreakers, including nuclear-powered vessels, vital for asserting presence.
4. Tensions and Military Posturing: Multiple nations are expanding military infrastructure to strengthen their Arctic positions, especially Russia, which seeks dominance.

Sources of Tension

1. U.S.–Greenland Issue: Former U.S. President Trump showed interest in buying Greenland, questioning Danish sovereignty. Denmark responded by pledging to boost security on the island.
2. U.S.–Canada Dispute: Ongoing dispute over the Northwest Passage. Canada claims it as internal waters, while the U.S. considers it international waters.
3. Russia–NATO Strains: After Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, ties within the Arctic Council weakened. Russian officials claimed Norway’s Svalbard should be under Russian control.
4. Strategic Military Importance: The Greenland-Iceland-UK (GIUK) gap is a key NATO choke point. It’s the only passage for Russian submarines to reach the Atlantic.

Non-Arctic Countries’ Involvement

1. China: Declared itself a “Near-Arctic State” in 2018. Seeks to use the Northeast Passage for trade. Plans to build a nuclear icebreaker. Russia remains cautious about giving port access.
2. India and other observer states are closely watching developments.
3. The UK highlights the Arctic’s strategic value for NATO.

Growing Military Interest in the Arctic

1. In 2007, Russia planted a flag on the seabed at the North Pole.
2. It continues to operate Soviet-era Arctic military bases.
3. In 2022, Russia and China held joint naval drills in the East China Sea.
4. After Sweden and Finland joined NATO, the alliance held large-scale exercises in Finland (2024).
5. Analysts warn that NATO lacks strong Arctic capabilities, while Russia remains better prepared.

Question for practice:

Discuss why the Arctic has become a hotspot of global interest and the sources of tension among major powers in the region.