It is tempting to view the current geopolitics of the Arctic through the lenses of the ‘great power competition’ and inevitable conflict of interests.

Current geopolitical scenario in the Arctic: US-Russia Spat

• It is mainly viewed as the growing tensions between North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies and Russia.
• By the end of the Cold War, the geopolitical tensions and security concerns in the Arctic were almost forgotten.
• The perceived ‘harmony’ was broken in 2007, when the Russian explorers planted their flag on the seabed 4,200m (13,779ft) below the North Pole to articulate Moscow’s claims in the Arctic.
• This move was certainly viewed as provocative by other Arctic State.
• The regional tension increased after the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2014.
• Consequently, relations between the U.S. and Russia reached their lowest point again.

Note: Five Arctic littoral states — Canada, Denmark (Greenland), Norway, Russia and the USA (Alaska) — and three other Arctic nations — Finland, Sweden and Iceland — form the Arctic Council (estd. 1996).

Try mapping them.

Caution: India became an Observer in the Arctic Council for the first time in 2013. And, India isn’t a full-time observer.

China’s vested interests in Arctic

• China, for example, with its self-proclaimed status of a ‘near Arctic state’, has been actively engaged in various projects across the region.
• The importance of the Arctic region for China mostly stems from its energy security issues and the need to diversify shipping lanes.

Why China focuses on Arctic?

• Transport routes from China to Europe through the Arctic are not only much shorter but also free from the challenges associated with the Malacca Strait and South China Sea.
• In the latter case, China will continue facing a backlash from many Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members, supported by US forces and Quad.

Impact of Climate change on Arctic

• The Arctic is warming nearly twice as fast as the rest of the planet with consecutive record-breaking warm years since 2014.
• The Arctic is likely to begin experiencing ice-free summers within the next decade, with summers likely to be completely free of sea ice by mid-century.

Conclusion

• Given the significance of the region, the Arctic will continue to draw increased attention.
• Hence, countries should refrain from mutual provocations, excessive militarisation, and quid pro quo tactics.
• All Arctic actors should have a long-term vision and strategic goals as compared to immediate short-term gains.
• Instead of creating a potential battleground that is reminiscent of the Cold War, the parties concerned should utilise their expertise and create the required synergy to achieve shared goals.
• Climate change and its dramatic consequences must be a catalyst for Arctic cooperation.

Back2Basics: Arctic Council

• It is an advisory body that promotes cooperation among member nations and indigenous groups as per the Ottawa Declaration of 1996.
• Its focus is on sustainable development and environmental protection of the Arctic.
• The Arctic Council consists of the eight Arctic States: Canada, the Kingdom of Denmark (including Greenland and the Faroe Islands), Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden and the United States.

• In 2013, six Observers joined the Arctic Council, including China, Japan, India, Italy, South Korea, and Singapore, bringing their total number to 13.

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