Summary
This article details the development of India’s involvement in the Arctic region, from one of scientific interest to one of strategic importance. Prompted by the “teleconnection” of melting in the Arctic and the security of water resources in the Himalayas, India has increased its involvement from building the Himadri station to becoming involved in the activities of the Arctic Council.
The Arctic region has been undergoing a rapid transformation from a region presenting little interests to global powers to a topic of significant geopolitical and economic importance. Climate change, technological innovations, and the gradual development of new shipping routes are all contributing factors to the global importance of the Arctic. Its importance has significant implications for India as well, as the region is no longer just a subject of scientific interest but has now become a focal point for pressing concerns about climate risks, strategic partnerships, and energy security as well.
One of the major factors that has increased Indian interest in the region is the ecological links that exist between the Arctic and the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH), also known as the “Third Pole”. Scientific studies suggest that there is a direct impact on global atmospheric circulation patterns as a result of global warming in the Arctic region [1], which has significant implications for the stability of glaciers in the HKH region and the South Asian monsoon season as well [2]. As glaciers in this region provide water for nearly two billion people, glassier melting has significant implications for India’s long-term water security as well.
Due to this fact, the presence of India in the High North has been justified by the pursuit of scientific research. The establishment of the Himadri research station in 2008 was an important milestone that provided India with a permanent presence in the High North. The research station is run by the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) and supports research in atmospheric science, glaciology, and ocean science, reinforcing the importance of science diplomacy in the pursuit of India’s High North policy.
This approach has evolved over the years to encompass a more integrated policy that includes the pursuit of climate change, economic interests, energy cooperation, and connectivity in the High North. The High North is known for its hydrocarbon and mineral deposits that have caught the attention of many countries around the world. This is particularly true for those countries that import hydrocarbons and minerals in the pursuit of economic growth and development [3]. India is no exception:; it needs to diversify its energy mix.
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The maritime aspect of this region also adds to its strategic importance. The Northern Sea Route (NSR), for example, has the potential to cut the distance between Europe and Asia by nearly 40 percent in comparison to the Suez Canal route [4]. If this route becomes commercially viable and environmentally friendly, India might gain advantages in the form of shorter routes to European countries.
On the multilateral front as well, India’s status as an observer in the Arctic Council has strategic importance. Even though as an observer, India cannot be a part of any decision-making process in the council, being present at the hearings and decision-making process although without taking part allows India to be a part of scientific research and maintain cordial relations with other countries in the region such as Norway, Sweden, Iceland, and Finland.
However, India’s approach towards the Arctic has to be finely balanced as this region is becoming a focal point for strategic rivalry among major world powers in the context of environmental challenges.
In sum, India’s Arctic engagement is a product of the combination of environmental, economic, and strategic imperatives. Changes in the Arctic region have a bearing on the destiny of the Himalayan environment, global energy balances, and even emerging patterns of international trade. As India grapples with all these emerging realities, the challenge presents to India new opportunities to raise its voice in Arctic geopolitics.