Syllabus
GS Paper 1 – Geographical features and their location, changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and polar ice caps) and, in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes
Applications where to apply?
When asked about
– Arctic Region
– Climate Change
– Geopolitics
Context
In March 2024, India successfully concluded its first winter expedition in the Arctic, marking a significant milestone in its polar research efforts.
Source
The Hindu| Editorial dated 16th April 2024
India’s Arctic imperative
India’s recent foray into Arctic exploration marks a significant shift in its long-standing policy towards the region. The successful completion of India’s maiden winter expedition at the Arctic in March 2024 signals a new chapter in the country’s Arctic ambitions. This expedition not only underscores India’s growing interest in the Arctic but also reflects a strategic response to evolving geopolitical and environmental realities.
The Arctic Region
It refers to the region above the Arctic Circle, north of latitude 66° 34′ N, which includes the Arctic Ocean with the North Pole at its centre.
- Eight Arctic States- Canada, Kingdom of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and USA form the Arctic Council.
India’s Historical Engagement in the Arctic
- India’s Arctic involvement traces its roots to the signing of the Svalbard Treaty in 1920, marking its early recognition of the region’s strategic and scientific significance.
- In 2007, India embarked on its inaugural research mission dedicated to exploring diverse facets of the Arctic environment.
- This milestone initiative symbolized India’s proactive stance in advancing polar research and understanding.
- The establishment of dedicated research stations, such as the Himadri research base, and India’s attainment of observer status within the Arctic Council further underscore its enduring commitment to polar exploration and cooperation.
- These endeavors signify India’s ongoing efforts to contribute meaningfully to the global body of knowledge concerning Arctic dynamics and their implications for the broader climatic and environmental landscape.
Factors Driving India’s Interest in the Arctic
- Climate Change Concerns: India’s decision to embark on a winter expedition to the Arctic was influenced by scientific data indicating accelerated warming in the region.The correlation between melting Arctic Sea ice and adverse climatic events in India prompted policymakers to take action.
- Economic Opportunities: India recognizes the potential benefits of utilizing Arctic Sea routes, particularly the Northern Sea Route, to enhance trade efficiency.Accessing these routes could lead to cost savings in shipping, fuel consumption, and security for Indian trade.
- Geopolitical Considerations: Growing Chinese presence and investments in the Arctic, along with Russia’s cooperation with China in granting access to the Northern Sea Route, have raised strategic concerns for India.Heightened tensions in the region, compounded by the Russia-Ukraine conflict, underscore the importance of India’s strategic positioning in the Arctic.
- Untapped Hydrocarbon Reserves:
- The Arctic region presents an extensive area rich in untapped hydrocarbon reserves, constituting a significant portion of the world’s remaining unexplored oil and gas potential.This vast potential is estimated to encompass approximately 40% of the global reserves of oil and gas.
- Rich mineral source:
- The Arctic harbors abundant deposits of coal, gypsum, diamonds, as well as substantial reserves of zinc, lead, placer gold, and quartz.
- These resources offer the potential to address India’s energy security requirements and the scarcity of strategic and rare earth minerals.
- Untapped Hydrocarbon Reserves:
India’s arctic Policy
India’s Arctic policy titled ‘India and the Arctic: building a partnership for sustainable development’ lays down six pillars:
- Strengthening India’s scientific research and cooperation
- Climate and environmental protection
- Economic and human development
- Transportation and connectivity
- Governance and international cooperation
- National capacity building in the Arctic region.
- India’s Arctic policy shall be implemented through an action plan, and an effective governance and review mechanism involving the interministerial Empowered Arctic Policy Group.
- Implementing India’s Arctic policy will involve multiple stakeholders, including academia, the research community, business, and industry.
Conclusion
India’s foray into Arctic exploration reflects a strategic shift driven by climate change imperatives, economic interests, and geopolitical considerations. Collaboration with Arctic nations, particularly Norway, offers opportunities for scientific research, environmental protection, and sustainable development in the region. As India navigates its Arctic policy, finding a balance between economic exploitation and environmental conservation will be essential for long-term success.
Related Topics
The Svalbard Treaty
- Grants sovereignty over the Svalbard archipelago (originally Spitsbergen) to Norway.
- Norway’s sovereignty is subject to certain limitations outlined in the treaty.
- Signatories to the treaty have equal rights to conduct commercial activities in Svalbard, primarily coal mining.
- Currently, Norway and Russia make the most use of this right.
- The treaty restricts military uses of Svalbard but does not fully demilitarize it.
- Norway has the authority to appoint a governor who administers Svalbard.
- Currently, 46 countries are party to the treaty, including major world powers.
Related PYQ
Why is India taking keen interest in the Arctic region? [UPSC Civil Services Exam – Mains 2018]
Practice Question
Comment on rising significance of the Arctic region. [150 words]
How to approach this question?
Introduction:
- Start by briefly explaining the Arctic region and its geographical importance.
- Mention the recent changes in the Arctic due to climate change and global warming.
Body:
- Discuss the economic significance of the Arctic, such as the presence of vast reserves of oil, gas, and minerals.
- Talk about the opening of new shipping routes due to melting ice, and its impact on global trade.
- Highlight the strategic importance of the Arctic in terms of military and defense.
- Discuss the environmental concerns related to the exploitation of Arctic resources.
Conclusion:
- Summarize the points discussed in the body.
- Conclude by emphasizing the need for sustainable and responsible use of the Arctic region’s resources.
Remember to provide a balanced answer, incorporating relevant facts and figures, and propose feasible solutions. Structure your answer well, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Also, ensure that your answer is within the word limit specified for the exam. Good luck!