The Hindu Editorial Analysis
5 May 2025
India must rethink its Arctic outlook
(Source – The Hindu, National Edition – Page No. – 08)
Topic: GS 2: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests.
Context
- The Arctic is becoming increasingly militarized, demanding a fresh look from India (New Delhi).
Introduction
- The Arctic, once a zone of scientific cooperation and environmental focus, is now a hotspot of military and geopolitical rivalry.
- Russia is more assertive, China is expanding its Arctic interests, and the US is renewing focus on Greenland.
- Climate change is a key driver, opening new year-round maritime routes like the Northern Sea Route (NSR), which reshapes global trade and increases regional competition.
Growing Militarization of the Arctic
- Current Trend:
- Countries are reopening military bases, deploying submarines, and asserting control using force in the Arctic.
- This marks a shift from peaceful cooperation to strategic contestation.
- Historical Background:
- The Arctic’s strategic importance is not new, as seen in events like the US proposal to buy Greenland in 2019.
India’s Current Position
- Focus:
- India remains somewhat insulated, prioritizing other regional issues and focusing on climate science and sustainable development through its 2022 Arctic Policy.
- It draws parallels between the Arctic and the Himalayan “Third Pole.”
- Limitations:
- India’s policy largely overlooks the Arctic’s rising geopolitical significance.
- This cautious stance risks leaving India marginalized as the Arctic becomes a strategic hotspot.
- On-ground Presence:
- India runs a research station in Svalbard and holds observer status in the Arctic Council.
- However, these efforts were designed for cooperation, now challenged by growing tensions.
Why India Needs a More Active Role
- Northern Sea Route (NSR):
- As the NSR becomes a viable year-round trade corridor, global shipping patterns could shift away from Indian Ocean routes.
- Connectivity Challenges:
- Russian and Chinese dominance of Arctic sea routes threatens India’s ambitions to be a connectivity hub in the Indo-Pacific.
- Complex Geopolitics:
- The Russia-China partnership in the Arctic combined with China’s naval presence in the Indian Ocean complicates India’s maritime focus to the south.
- Regional Concerns:
- Nordic countries are wary of India’s close ties with Russia, especially amid the Ukraine conflict, increasing diplomatic pressure.
- Diplomatic Efforts Needed:
- India must balance its strategic autonomy with reassurances to Arctic partners that its involvement will be constructive and mutually beneficial.
Toward a More Purposeful Indian Engagement
- Institutional Strengthening:
- Establish dedicated Arctic desks in the foreign and defense ministries and encourage inter-agency coordination.
- Partner with strategic think tanks for informed policy-making.
- Strategic Partnerships:
- Collaborate with Arctic nations on dual-use projects—such as logistics support, maritime surveillance, and satellite monitoring—to build credibility without triggering geopolitical tensions.
- Governance & Diplomacy:
- Seek active participation in Arctic governance bodies that regulate infrastructure, shipping, digital standards, and sustainable blue economy initiatives.
- Engage respectfully with Arctic communities, avoiding extractive or exploitative approaches.
Conclusion
- India’s current Arctic focus on science and climate diplomacy is valuable but increasingly insufficient.
- The Arctic is transitioning from cooperation-driven to power-driven, and India risks being sidelined without strategic adaptation.
- To remain relevant, India must evolve its Arctic policy and engage more purposefully in this critical global region.