N4S: 

UPSC often asks questions that link global developments with India’s national interests, especially when the issue has environmental, economic, and geopolitical angles. That’s exactly what the 2021 question did — it asked how Arctic and Antarctic melting differently affect weather and human activities. Students tend to miss the layered nature of such topics. Many stop at climate change or just list facts. They skip connecting dots like how the Northern Sea Route (NSR) links to India’s trade policy, or how thawing permafrost in Siberia could affect India’s monsoons. This article helps fill that gap. It combines science with strategy. For example, under “New Shipping Routes & Economic Benefits,” it shows how India must invest in Arctic-ready ships. In “India’s Arctic Partnerships,” it explains why Himadri and IndARC are more than just research outposts — they’re soft power tools. Students often forget this dual role. The article also brings geopolitics to the front — how India must balance ties with Russia and the West (“Security & Cooperation”). The most special part? It doesn’t treat the Arctic as a cold, faraway place. It brings it home to India — from affecting our monsoons to shaping future trade. With examples like Arctic methane thaw and Polar Silk Road, the article builds that critical “connect,” which UPSC always rewards.

This article explores how Arctic developments affect India’s environment, economy, and strategic interests. UPSC often frames such questions by linking global changes with national priorities, as seen in the 2021 question on the Arctic and Antarctic impacts. Many aspirants stop at climate facts and miss the broader picture, such as the Northern Sea Route’s link to India’s trade or how thawing permafrost in Siberia might influence monsoon patterns.

The article fills this gap by combining science with policy insights. It explains why India needs Arctic-ready ships, how Himadri and IndARC serve both research and diplomacy, and why managing ties with Russia and the West is crucial. With examples like methane thaw and the Polar Silk Road, it helps aspirants connect global events to UPSC-relevant themes.

PYQ ANCHORING

1. GS 2:  How does the melting of the Arctic ice and glaciers of the Antarctic differently affect the weather patterns and human activities on the Earth? Explain. [2021]

MICROTHEME:  Cryosphere and Himalayan Eco-system

The melting of the Arctic region may be a looming climate disaster, but it also brings a chance for significant geopolitical advantage. As the ice melts and sea levels rise, new trade routes are opening up, which could change the global trade landscape. This opportunity becomes even more important given the trade challenges, like tariffs imposed by the U.S., and the growing partnerships between countries to control supply chains and trade routes. Climate change is also playing a big role in shaping these dynamics. So, it’s essential to take a closer look at how this situation affects India.

Three key questions we need to explore are: How can India position itself to benefit from the new trade routes in the Arctic? What steps should India take to balance its economic interests with the environmental risks in the region? How can India strengthen its partnerships with countries in the Arctic, given the shifting geopolitical landscape?

Arctic: A Geostrategic Pillar for India

The Arctic region is becoming more important for global powers, and India’s involvement there is crucial for a variety of reasons, from economic opportunities to security and global influence. Here’s how the Arctic is shaping up as a key geostrategic asset for India:

1. New Shipping Routes & Economic Benefits: With the ice in the Arctic melting, new shipping routes like the Northern Sea Route (NSR) are opening up, offering much faster ways to travel between Europe and Asia. For India, this is a big opportunity. By boosting its shipbuilding capacity and investing in specialized Arctic ships, including ice-breakers, India can take full advantage of these new trade routes and strengthen its position in global shipping.
2. Energy Resources & Strategic Ties: The Arctic is rich in untapped resources like oil and gas. As India’s energy needs grow, securing access to these resources is becoming increasingly important. Working closely with Arctic nations, particularly Russia, allows India to diversify its energy sources. However, India must carefully manage its relationship with Russia, especially considering China’s growing presence in the Arctic with its ambitious Polar Silk Road plans.
3. Environmental and Security Concerns: The changes happening in the Arctic have global impacts, including on India’s climate, especially its monsoon patterns. India’s research stations and expeditions in the region, like Himadri and IndARC, play a vital role in monitoring climate change and its effects. This scientific involvement strengthens India’s image as a responsible global player and gives it a voice in international environmental discussions.
4. Geopolitical Influence: The Arctic isn’t just about resources and shipping – it’s also about global power. By actively participating in international forums like the Arctic Council, India can build important diplomatic relationships with other countries, including Japan and South Korea. It also gives India the chance to advocate for a more inclusive approach to Arctic governance, which would enhance its geopolitical influence.
5. Security & Cooperation: With increasing military activity in the Arctic, India’s security interests are at stake. Balancing relations between Russia and the West is delicate, but India can work with countries that share similar concerns to maintain peace and stability in the region. By getting involved in security discussions, India can strengthen its global role in promoting peace.

In short, the Arctic holds significant opportunities for India. By focusing on sustainable development, forming strategic partnerships, and taking an active role in regional cooperation, India can use its engagement in the Arctic to boost its economic, security, and geopolitical standing on the world stage.

Significance of Arctic region’s melting//MAINS

As the Arctic continues to warm and ice melts at an alarming rate, it’s not just a story of environmental change. The impacts of this transformation ripple across the globe in various ways. From affecting wildlife habitats and weather patterns to opening up new economic opportunities and geopolitical tensions, the Arctic’s changing landscape brings both challenges and opportunities. The table below breaks down how these changes are influencing three key areas: 

India’s Arctic Partnerships in a Changing Geopolitical Landscape

As the Arctic becomes a focal point for global economic and environmental changes, India has a unique opportunity to strengthen its partnerships with countries in the region. Given the shifting geopolitical dynamics, India can adopt several strategies to enhance its position and foster deeper cooperation with Arctic nations:

1. Engage through Multilateral Platforms: India can leverage platforms like the Arctic Council and the Arctic Circle India Forum to engage with other nations. By actively participating in discussions on climate change, sustainable development, and Arctic governance, India can showcase its commitment to the region’s well-being and strengthen diplomatic ties with countries like Norway, Canada, and Russia.
2. Focus on Scientific and Environmental Cooperation: India’s role in Arctic research is pivotal, with initiatives like Himadri and IndARC (India’s Arctic Research Centre). By enhancing scientific collaboration on climate monitoring and environmental preservation, India can position itself as a key partner in the region’s sustainable development and climate change mitigation efforts. This will help India build trust with Arctic nations that are highly focused on environmental concerns.
3. Build Strategic Economic Partnerships: As new shipping routes open up and natural resources become more accessible, India should look to strengthen economic ties with Arctic countries, especially in the fields of energy, shipping, and infrastructure. Collaborations with Russia, for example, could help India secure access to Arctic resources and boost its presence in the global energy market. India can also explore opportunities in Arctic tourism and logistics, areas likely to see growth as the region becomes more accessible.
4. Enhance Bilateral Ties with Key Arctic Nations: India can deepen its relationships with Arctic powers, particularly Russia, by collaborating on Arctic shipping routes, energy exploration, and scientific research. Simultaneously, India should explore new partnerships with countries like Japan and South Korea, which share similar interests in Arctic governance and resource management.
5. Promote Peaceful and Inclusive Arctic Governance: India can play a significant role in advocating for a more inclusive and equitable Arctic Council. As the region becomes more geopolitically competitive, India’s support for a multilateral, rules-based approach to Arctic governance could enhance its credibility and influence in the region.

Initiatives of India for Arctic region//PRELIMS

India has been progressively enhancing its engagement in the Arctic region through scientific research, environmental protection, and international cooperation. The key initiatives include:

India’s Arctic Initiatives

Way Forward

1. Shipbuilding: India should ramp up its shipbuilding capacity, focusing on ships suited for Arctic conditions. Investments in ice-breaking fleets and structural upgrades are essential to compete globally.
2. Multilateral Engagements: Platforms like the Arctic Circle India Forum should be leveraged to push India’s Arctic policy forward, encouraging stakeholder dialogues and partnerships with an India-Asia focus.
3. Polar Ambassador: India can appoint a Polar Ambassador to streamline its Arctic efforts, following in the footsteps of nations like the U.S. and Greenland, who have recognized the growing geopolitical importance of the region.
4. Balancing Russia & USA: India must carefully balance its relations with both Russia and the USA. While Russia offers Arctic expertise, India must avoid aligning too closely with China’s Arctic ambitions. Partnering with like-minded countries like Japan and South Korea can help India shape a more inclusive Arctic governance structure.

The Arctic presents both immense opportunities and risks. India should seize the economic potential while ensuring sustainable development and careful geopolitical navigation to avoid reckless exploitation of Arctic resources.

#BACK2BASICS: INDIA’S ARCTIC POLICY

India’s Arctic Policy is structured around six central pillars and a set of objectives that guide its approach towards the Arctic region. These provisions focus on scientific research, environmental protection, economic development, and enhancing national capabilities to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by the Arctic’s changing landscape.

Six Central Pillars:

1. Science and Research: Advancing scientific exploration and research to deepen understanding of the Arctic region, including its climate, ecosystems, and resources.
2. Environmental Protection: Ensuring the preservation of the Arctic environment and addressing the impacts of climate change on the region.
3. Economic and Human Development: Promoting economic cooperation and sustainable development opportunities in the Arctic, including maritime trade and resource management.
4. Transportation and Connectivity: Enhancing transportation links and connectivity between India and Arctic countries, with a focus on emerging trade routes.
5. Governance and International Cooperation: Strengthening India’s role in global forums such as the Arctic Council and fostering partnerships with Arctic nations for shared governance and resource management.
6. National Capacity Building: Building the necessary institutional and human resource capacities within India to effectively engage with the Arctic region.

Objectives:

• Strengthen National Capabilities: Enhance India’s science and exploration capabilities in the Arctic, focusing on climate and environmental protection, as well as maritime and economic cooperation.
• Institutional Capacity Building: Strengthen India’s institutional framework and inter-ministerial coordination, fostering collaboration between government bodies, academic institutions, research organizations, and businesses to advance India’s Arctic interests.
• Climate Change and Environmental Impact: Increase understanding of the impact of Arctic climate change on India’s own climate, economy, and energy security, and develop strategies to mitigate these effects.
• Analysis and Coordination: Promote better analysis, prediction, and policymaking regarding the consequences of Arctic ice melting on global shipping routes, energy security, and the exploitation of Arctic mineral resources, which are critical to India’s strategic interests.
• Linkages with Polar Regions and the Himalayas: Investigate the interconnections between the Arctic and the Himalayas, and foster closer cooperation with Arctic countries through scientific and traditional knowledge exchange.
• Arctic Council Participation: Enhance India’s engagement in the Arctic Council and improve understanding of the Arctic’s complex governance structures, international laws, and geopolitical dynamics, ensuring India’s voice is heard in shaping the future of the region.

India’s Arctic Policy emphasizes the importance of multi-dimensional engagement with the region, addressing both the opportunities and risks posed by a rapidly changing Arctic.

MOCK DROP

India’s Arctic Policy reflects the strategic shift from science diplomacy to geopolitics in the polar region. Critically examine the key objectives of India’s Arctic Policy and evaluate its significance in the context of climate change, energy security, and global governance.