CONTEXT – In December 2023, Indian climate scientists embarked on their first winter expedition to the Arctic from the Himadri research station in Norway. This challenging mission involved acclimating to temperatures as low as -15 degrees Celsius and enduring polar nights, marking a significant step in India’s Arctic exploration.

GROWING INTEREST IN THE ARCTIC

1. UNDERSTANDING THE ARCTIC

• India had been hesitant to undertake year-round missions in the Arctic, with the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research not seeing the need for a winter mission for over a decade
• The change in Indian policy towards Arctic exploration was influenced by scientific data indicating accelerated warming in the Arctic region, surpassing previous estimations.

2. ARCTIC SEA ROUTES

• New Delhi recognizes the significance of Arctic Sea routes, particularly the Northern Sea Route, for potential trade benefits
• Routing Indian trade through this region could lead to reduced costs for shipping companies, including savings in time, fuel, and security expenses related to transporting goods.

3. GEOPOLITICAL CONCERNS

• India’s interest in the Arctic is also driven by geopolitical considerations
• China’s increasing investments and expanded access to the Northern Sea Route through agreements with Russia have raised alarms in India
• This is especially concerning amidst heightened tensions in the region due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and disruptions in regional cooperative forums.

4.STRATEGIC IMPLICATIONS

• The growing reliance on nuclear deterrence in the Kola Peninsula by Russia adds another layer of complexity to the region’s dynamics
• For India, which aims to maintain constructive relations with both Western nations and Russia, these geopolitical developments carry significant strategic implications that need careful navigation.

A LOOK INTO INDIA’S ENGAGEMENT

• Historical Engagement: India’s involvement in the Arctic dates back to 1920, marked by the signing of the Svalbard Treaty in Paris. This engagement evolved with India’s first research mission in 2007, focusing on Arctic microbiology, atmospheric sciences, and geology.
• Establishment of Research Base: In 2008, India established its Arctic research base, becoming one of the few developing countries, alongside China, with a presence in the region.
• Observer Status and Infrastructure: India gained ‘observer’ status in the Arctic Council in 2013, leading to the commissioning of a multi-sensor moored observatory in Svalbard in 2014 and an atmospheric laboratory in 2016. These stations primarily study Arctic ice systems, glaciers, and their implications on the Himalayas and the Indian monsoon.
• Divergent Views: Indian academic and policy communities hold differing opinions on Arctic engagement. While some advocate for pragmatic economic approaches, especially in areas like oil and gas exploration and mining, others emphasize environmental concerns and the need for a balanced policy framework considering the negative impacts of maritime resource exploitation.
• Economic Strategy: A key point of contention revolves around India’s lack of a clear economic strategy for mining fossil fuels in the Arctic. The debate reflects broader concerns about the potential impacts of climate change in the Arctic on India’s economy and environment.

COLLABORATIONS

• Historical Collaboration: India and Norway have a longstanding collaboration dating back to the late 1980s, focusing on studying Arctic and Antarctic changes and their impact on South Asia.
• Current Policy Focus: India’s current policy emphasizes cooperation with Arctic nations in green energy, clean industries, and environmental protection to enhance its image as a responsible stakeholder.
• Partnerships in Green Initiatives: Collaborations with Denmark and Finland have centered on areas like waste management, pollution control, renewable energy, and green technology.
• Transformational Potential: A partnership with Norway is seen as potentially transformative for India, offering greater participation in the Arctic Council’s working groups and addressing issues like the blue economy, connectivity, maritime transportation, investment, infrastructure, and responsible resource development.
• Sustainable Resource Extraction: While India is interested in seabed mining and resource exploitation in the Arctic, it is urged to prioritize sustainable extraction methods, backed by a clear policy.
• Focus on Scientific Research and Environmental Protection: A partnership with Norway is expected to focus on scientific research, climate protection, and environmental conservation, aligning with India’s Arctic Policy’s pillars.
• Balancing Scientific and Economic Interests: Norway can assist India in designing a sustainable policy that balances scientific research, environmental concerns, and economic opportunities in the Arctic.
• Geopolitical Sensitivities: Both countries have an interest in alleviating global geopolitical tensions in the Arctic through constructive and non-sensitive approaches