EXPLORING INDIA’S POTENTIAL IN THE ARCTIC REGION

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Context: India’s engagement in the Arctic region holds strategic, scientific, and environmental significance.

Climate Change Opens New Doors

The Arctic is warming four times faster than the global average. NASA reports that Arctic sea ice shrinks by 12.2% every decade compared to 1981–2010 levels. In 2024, global temperatures crossed 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, signaling a climate crisis.

The melting ice creates the Northern Sea Route (NSR), a shorter shipping path between Europe and Asia. This route cuts travel time and costs compared to traditional paths like the Suez Canal. For India, the NSR can boost trade by reducing shipping costs and fuel use.

Experts call the Arctic a “canary in the coal mine” for climate change, meaning it warns us of global dangers but also offers trade and resource opportunities. India, as the world’s third-largest energy consumer, wants access to Arctic oil, gas, and minerals like copper and rare earths to meet its growing needs.

Climate Links to India

The Arctic affects India’s climate. Melting ice disrupts weather patterns, impacting the Indian monsoon, which supports agriculture and feeds millions. Research shows Arctic ice loss can weaken monsoons, threatening food security.

India’s Himalayan glaciers, called the “third pole,” face similar melting issues as the Arctic, raising risks like floods. Studying the Arctic helps India predict these changes.

Geopolitical Stakes

The Arctic is a hotspot for global powers like Russia, China, and the US. Russia controls much of the NSR, while China pushes its “Polar Silk Road” to dominate Arctic trade.

India wants a voice in this region to secure its interests and counter China’s growing influence. India’s concern about China bypassing the Malacca Strait, a key trade chokepoint.

What India Is Doing in the Arctic?

India has been active in the Arctic for decades:

• 1920: India signed the Svalbard Treaty, giving it early Arctic access.
• 2008: India set up the Himadri research station in Svalbard, Norway, joining China as the only developing nations with an Arctic base.
• 2013: India became an observer in the Arctic Council, a forum for Arctic governance.
• 2022: India launched its Arctic Policy, “India and the Arctic: Building a Partnership for Sustainable Development.” It focuses on six pillars: science, climate protection, economic growth, connectivity, governance, and capacity building.
• 2024: India completed its first winter expedition at Himadri, braving -15°C and polar nights to study climate change.
• 2025: The Arctic Circle India Forum (May 3–4, New Delhi) will boost India’s Arctic dialogue.

India’s National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) in Goa leads these efforts, studying Arctic ice, glaciers, and their impact on India’s monsoons. In 2024, Indian institutes partnered to model how Arctic changes affect agriculture, showing India’s commitment to science.

Investments India Needs

To seize Arctic opportunities, India must invest in:

• Shipbuilding: The 2025–26 Budget allocates $3 billion to a Maritime Development Fund. This builds Arctic-ready ships, like icebreakers, to navigate icy waters. India also needs port upgrades for Arctic trade.
• Training: India must train experts to handle Arctic conditions and technology.
• Policy Action: The 2022 Arctic Policy needs clear action plans. Experts suggest a “polar ambassador” to represent India globally and stakeholder talks to refine strategies.

Geopolitical Challenges and Partnerships

The Arctic is a chessboard of global powers, and India must play smart:

• Russia: Russia controls 80% of Arctic oil and gas and the NSR. India and Russia started an NSR working group in 2024. The Chennai-Vladivostok Maritime Corridor links India to Arctic ports like Sabetta. But Russia’s ties with China complicate things. China’s “Polar Silk Road” aims to control Arctic routes, worrying India.
• Western Powers: The US, EU, Japan, and South Korea offer technology and sustainable practices. Partnering with them balances China’s influence but may limit resource access due to Western sanctions on Russia.
• Balanced Approach: India wants to work with both Russia and the West, a tough but ideal goal. The article suggests teaming up with Japan and South Korea to reform the Arctic Council, making it more inclusive for non-Arctic nations like India.

India’s 35% share of cargo at Russia’s Murmansk port in 2023 shows its growing NSR role. But aligning too closely with Russia might pull India into China’s orbit, so diplomacy is key.

Way Forward

The 2025 Arctic Circle India Forum is a chance to pitch India’s vision and build ties with Arctic nations.

Study Arctic-monsoon links to protect agriculture and predict floods.

Use the $3 billion fund to create icebreakers and Arctic-ready ports.

Partner with Japan, South Korea, and Nordic countries to counter China-Russia dominance while maintaining Russia ties.

Push for green tech and conservation in the Arctic Council to show India as a responsible player.

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Exploring India's Potential in the Arctic Region

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THE HINDU