Subject: “Oil,Natural Resources”

The Arctic region, once considered a remote and inaccessible area, has gained global prominence due to climate change, emerging sea routes, vast natural resources, and geopolitical competition.

India’s Steps with Reference to the Arctic

Himadri Station (2008)- India’s first permanent research base at Svalbard (Norway).

IndARC (2014)- India’s first multi-sensor moored observatory in the Kongsfjorden fjord to monitor Arctic climate changes.

India was granted Observer status in the Arctic Council in 2013

Arctic Policy (2022)- six pillars

Research, climate, and environmental protection

Promoting economic and human development

Enhancing transportation and connectivity

Improving governance and international cooperation

Building national capacity in Arctic studies.

Polar Research Vessel (PRV)- indigenous ice-breaker to ensure independent logistical capability.

Reasons Behind India’s Interest in the Arctic

Arctic and Monsoon Linkages

Arctic warming affects Himalayan cryosphere, monsoon patterns, and extreme weather events.

Melting sea ice influences ocean circulation and jet streams, impacting Indian agriculture and water security.

Geopolitical Reasons

Voice in emerging Arctic governance – observer status in the Arctic Council helps India participate in rule-making for global commons.

Balancing major power competition – Eg- By strengthening its presence, India counters China’s self-proclaimed “Near-Arctic State” status.

Ensures India is not excluded from evolving Eurasian polar geopolitics. Eg- Collaboration with Norway and Iceland in polar research diplomacy.

Geo-economic Reasons

Access to critical minerals – Arctic has deposits of rare earths, nickel, cobalt, and phosphates, essential for India’s manufacturing and clean-tech sectors.

New opportunities for trade and investment – Eg- Indian companies exploring LNG projects in the Russian Arctic.

Blue economy prospects – Sustainable fisheries and bio-resources for food and pharmaceutical industries.

Energy Security

The Arctic holds nearly 13% of undiscovered oil and 30% of natural gas.

Supports India’s energy security and transition to a gas-based economy.

Eg- Indian investment in Vostok Oil and Yamal LNG projects (Russia).

Clean energy research – Cooperation in offshore wind, hydrogen, and carbon sequestration studies in polar conditions.

Connectivity and Maritime Trade

Melting ice is opening Northern Sea Route (NSR) and Trans-Arctic routes These routes can-

Reduce India-Europe travel distance by up to 40%

Lower logistics cost and time.

Strengthen India’s maritime trade and Sagarmala initiative.

Reduces dependence on vulnerable chokepoints like the Suez Canal.

Eg- Chennai-Vladivostok Maritime Corridor.

India’s engagement reflects a responsible stakeholder approach, balancing environmental sustainability with strategic and economic interests

The Deccan Trap is one of the largest volcanic basalt provinces in the world, formed by massive lava flows during the late Cretaceous period. It covers nearly 5 lakh sq km across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka and Telangana.

Natural Resource Potentials of the Deccan Trap

Black Cotton Soil (Regur)

Formed due to weathering of basaltic rocks.

Its high clay content and moisture-retention capacity make it ideal for rain-fed agriculture.

Supports India’s primary Cotton, Sugarcane, and Soybean belts in Maharashtra and Gujarat.

Bauxite Reserves (Aluminum Ore) formed due to intensive chemical weathering (lateritization) of basalt in high-rainfall zones. Eg- Kolhapur and Ratnagiri Belt.

Geothermal Energy Potential-Eg- Clusters of hot springs in Unhavare, Tural, and Rajapur along the Konkan coast.

Multi-Layered Aquifer Systems-The vesicular (porous) and fractured nature of certain lava flows allows for significant groundwater storage.

Hydrocarbon-Recent seismic surveys have indicated the presence of oil and natural gas trapped beneath the thick basaltic “lid.” Eg- in the Cambay Basin (Gujarat).

Strategic Industrial Minerals like Zeolites are formed in the cavities (vugs) of basalt.

Semi-Precious Gemstones-Eg- Agates, Amethyst, and Chalcedony

The varying rainfall patterns across the plateau support diverse forest types, from moist evergreen to dry deciduous. Eg- Teak and Bamboo.

Hydroelectric Power-The steep escarpments (Western Ghats) provide high-head sites for power generation. Eg- Koyna Hydroelectric Project

Major Challenges

Over-extraction of Groundwater

Soil Degradation & Salinity in the sugarcane belt

Seismic Vulnerability-Eg- 1967 Koyna and 1993 Latur earthquakes

Eco-Sensitivity-Eg- mining in Western Ghats

Technological Barriers in Exploration-Eg- High costs of Sub-basalt Imaging.

Pollution from Industrial Clusters-Eg- Dust pollution in Navi Mumbai and Pune

Sustainable management is essential to harness these potentials while ensuring long-term environmental stability and regional development.

India’s coastline, extending approximately 7,517 km (with high-resolution mapping in 2026 citing nearly 11,100 km including islands), is the backbone of the nation’s Blue Economy.

Natural Resource Potential of Indian Coastline

Deep-Sea Mineral Wealth-The Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) contains vast deposits of polymetallic nodules and crusts rich in cobalt, nickel, and manganese.

Hydrocarbons-Offshore basins are a source of oil and gas. Eg- The Mumbai High and Krishna-Godavari (KG) Basin.

Beach Sand Minerals-Eg- The Monazite and Ilmenite sands of Kerala and Odisha are critical for India’s nuclear energy and aerospace programs.

Offshore Renewable Energy-The wind speeds along the western and southern coasts offer a potential of over 70 GW for offshore wind energy. Eg- Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.

Tidal and Wave Energy-Eg- The Gulf of Khambhat and Gulf of Kutch.

Salt Production-India is the 3rd largest salt producer globally, with coastal topography favoring extensive salt pans.

Marine Biotechnology (Blue Carbon)-Coastal ecosystems like mangroves and seagrass act as carbon sinks and sources of bioactive compounds.

Coastal Tourism – Eg- Goa beaches and Kerala backwaters.

Mangroves and Coastal Ecosystems – Support fisheries, carbon sequestration and shoreline protection. Eg- Sundarbans mangrove forests.

Status of Natural Hazard Preparedness

Advanced Early Warning Systems (EWS)-Eg- The IMD’s latest models in 2026 provide hyper-local cyclone alerts with a lead time of 5-7 days.

The Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC) at INCOIS provides real-time alerts to the entire Indian Ocean region. Over 100 coastal villages in Odisha have now achieved UNESCO’s “Tsunami Ready” certification.

Bio-Shield Protection-Eg- The MISHTI Scheme (2023-27) has successfully restored nearly 3,000 hectares of mangroves along the East Coast.

Hazard Line Demarcation-The Survey of India (SOI) has integrated this line into the updated Coastal Zone Management Plans (CZMP) for all maritime states.

Last-Mile Connectivity-Eg- The NavIC-based GAGAN system provides emergency alerts to deep-sea fishermen even beyond cellular range.

Integrated coastal zone management and Coastal regulation zones to regulate development activities.

Cyclone-resistant infrastructure – Eg- Multipurpose cyclone shelters in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.

Challenges

Nearly 33% of India’s coastline is experiencing active erosion

Sea-Level Rise (SLR) threatens to submerge low-lying deltas and “sinking” cities. Eg- Mumbai.

Pollution and Eutrophication-Runoff from coastal cities and farms creates “dead zones” in the ocean.

Lack of last mile connectivity

Increasing frequency and intensity of Cyclones.

Way Forward

Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZMP)-Focus on holistic “Ridge-to-Reef” planning rather than localized seawalls.

Innovative Financing-Eg- Parametric Insurance for faster post-disaster recovery.

Green Port Transition-Incentivize the “Harit Sagar” guidelines to reduce the carbon footprint of maritime trade.

Blue Carbon Economy-Eg- Integrating MISHTI scheme outcomes with the National Carbon Market (NCM).

Mandatory enforcement of the National Building Code (2016) for all new coastal constructions.

Technology-Led Monitoring-Use AI, IoT sensors, and drones for 24/7 surveillance of the “Hazard Line.”

These measures are essential to ensure that India’s vast coastline becomes a source of long-term prosperity rather than vulnerability.

Petroleum reserves are found in sedimentary basins, where organic matter is trapped under pressure. Offshore reserves account for ~30% of global crude oil production. Their distribution is linked to continental shelf geology, passive margins, and deep-water basins.

Geographical distribution

The Persian Gulf (Middle East)- result of the collision between the Arabian and Eurasian plates, which created perfect “anticline” traps for oil. Eg- Safaniya field (Saudi Arabia), largest offshore oil field in the world.

The Gulf of Mexico (North America)- It is characterized by salt domes that trap oil in the surrounding porous rock.

The North Sea (Europe)- Situated between the UK, Norway, and Denmark. This region is a rift basin, with deep depressions where organic matter could settle.

The South Atlantic Margins (Brazil & West Africa)- formed when South America and Africa drifted apart.

Southeast Asia & India- in the South China Sea and India’s Mumbai High and Krishna-Godavari (KG) Basin

Difference between off-shore and on-shore oil reserves

Implications of uneven distribution of mineral oils in the world

Energy security challenges – Oil-deficient countries face high import bills and current account deficits. Eg- India imports ~85% of its crude oil requirement.

Resource Curse in Oil-rich Nations (Paradox of Plenty) – Overdependence on oil leads to limited economic diversification. Eg- Venezuela’s economic crisis.

Energy trade is one of the key drivers of global geopolitics. Eg- US sanctions on Russian and Iran oil trade

Competition for oil resources leads to wars and regional instability. Eg- Gulf Wars, Saudi-Iran rivalry.

Oil-rich regions face oil spills, land degradation, and marine pollution. Eg- Niger Delta pollution.

Global Carbon Emissions – oil and gas industry is responsible for over 5 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent in direct emissions annually (15% of total energy-related emissions)

In the long run, reducing oil dependence through clean energy, strategic reserves, and diversified supply chains is essential for ensuring equitable and sustainable global development.

India has emerged as a global leader in solar energy with over 140 GW of installed solar capacity (Nov 2025) and ranks 3rd in the world in solar capacity and generation.

Ecological Benefits

Carbon Sequestration

By replacing coal-fired thermal power, which is the primary source of CO-2 emissions. Every 1 GW of solar power reduces CO2 emissions by approximately 1.5 million tonnes annually.

Supports India’s NDC targets – 500 GW non-fossil capacity by 2030 and net-zero by 2070.

Water Conservation – Use 95% less water than thermal power plants. Shifting to solar saves roughly 2.5 liters of water per kWh generated.

Preservation of Fragile Ecosystems – Installing panels on reservoirs reduces water evaporation and algae growth. Eg- Omkareshwar Floating Solar Park (Madhya Pradesh).

Agrivoltaic Biodiversity – “Solar farming” allows crops to grow beneath panels, creating a micro-climate that reduces soil moisture loss.

Reduction Air Pollution – Unlike fossil fuels, solar generation releases zero SOx, NOx, or particulate matter (PM 2.5).

Soil Reclamation – Solar parks built on saline or degraded “wastelands,” prevent further soil erosion. Eg- Khavda Hybrid Park in the Rann of Kutch

Transition to Circular Economy – Eg- Draft Solar Waste Management Rules mandate recycling of end-of-life panels.

Protection of Glacial Regions – Eg- Solar projects in Ladakh (13 GW planned) can reduce black carbon deposits on glaciers, which otherwise accelerate melting.

Economic Benefits

Cost Savings for Households – Solar tariffs are lower compared to coal based power.

Reduction in Energy Import Bill – Solar energy helped India save roughly $4.2 billion in fuel costs in 2024-25, strengthening the Current Account Balance.

Boost to Domestic Manufacturing (PLI Scheme) – Solar manufacturing capacity jumped from 38 GW to 74 GW in 2025, attracting ₹52,900 crore in fresh private investment.

Agricultural Income Diversification- Under PM-KUSUM Component A, farmers can earn income by installing solar plants on unproductive land.

Attraction of Global FDI – 100% FDI under the automatic route has made India a top destination for ESG-focused global funds.

Rural Electrification – Solar micro-grids provide 24/7 power to remote villages where grid extension is expensive.

Infrastructure Development – Mega solar parks bring roads, water, and connectivity to previously isolated regions.

Export Potential– India exported $1.5 billion worth of solar equipment in 2025.

Challenges in Solar Energy Generation

Intermittency and Storage Gap- shortage of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)

Land Acquisition Hurdles for Mega-parks

Lack of grid connectivity

Import dependency- India still imports over 90% of its wafers and ingots from China.

Limited recycling infrastructure creates a toxic waste risk (lead and cadmium).

Poor Financial Health of DISCOMs- delayed payments to solar developers and deterring investment.

Steps Taken by Governments

PM-Surya Ghar- Muft Bijli Yojana to solarize 1 crore households by 2027

Solar Park Scheme- A target of 40 GW across 50+ parks by March 2026.

PM-KUSUM- Solarizing over 30 million irrigation pumps.

PLI Scheme- to boost domestic manufacturing of high-efficiency solar modules

A balanced strategy focusing on decentralised solar, grid expansion, storage systems, and region-specific planning is essential to achieve Panchamrit Targets.