Foreign Policy Watch: India-Russia

India and the Arctic

Prelims Only | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India
Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Arctic Council

Why in the News?

The Russian Ambassador to India recently stated that Russia views India’s interest in the Arctic as a “stabilizing factor.”

India-Russia Collaboration in the Arctic

India and Russia have strengthened their cooperation in the Arctic, focusing on scientific research, energy resources, and shipping routes:

  • Energy Resources: Joint ventures in Arctic oil and gas extraction, particularly in the Dolginskoye oil field and Vostok oil cluster.
  • Northern Sea Route (NSR): India and Russia are working to improve shipping through the NSR, aiming to reduce shipping costs and improve connectivity.

About India’s Arctic Policy

  • India’s Arctic Policy was launched by the Ministry of Earth Sciences in 2022, taking a comprehensive approach that involves multiple sectors, including scientific, environmental, economic, and strategic interests.
  • It focuses on sustainability, aiming to protect the environment while exploring opportunities in energy resources, shipping routes, and scientific collaboration.
  • The policy includes 6 key pillars:
  1. Science and Research: Focus on climate change, geosciences, and polar biology.
  2. Climate and Environmental Protection: Ensuring development does not compromise the Arctic ecosystem.
  3. Economic and Human Development: Exploring opportunities in energy extraction and shipping.
  4. Transportation and Connectivity: Enhancing access to Arctic shipping routes.
  5. Governance and International Cooperation: Strengthening ties with international partners like the Arctic Council.
  6. National Capacity Building: Developing expertise in Arctic research and polar navigation.
  • The policy acknowledges the geopolitical dynamics of the Arctic and seeks to balance scientific, economic, and strategic interests.

India’s Mission to the Arctic

  • India’s Arctic mission began in 2007, with its first research mission focused on microbiology, atmospheric sciences, and geology. India also established its research base, Himadri, in the Arctic in 2008. Recent advancements include:
    • In 2023, India conducted winter expedition in polar night conditions to study climate change, sea-ice dynamics, and ocean circulation.
    • India collaborates with Russia, Norway, and other Arctic nations through research institutes and joint expeditions.
  • India’s focus is on understanding the Arctic’s impact on climate change and its effects on weather patterns, particularly in South Asia.

Back2Basics: Arctic Council

  • The Arctic Council, established in 1996, is an intergovernmental forum for cooperation among Arctic states.
  • The Council includes 8 Arctic countries and permanent participants from indigenous Arctic communities. Its focus is on environmental protection, sustainable development, and scientific research.
  • India has been an observer since 2013, contributing to scientific research, climate change discussions, and policy frameworks.
  • The Council’s activities were suspended in 2022 due to rising tensions from militarization by NATO countries.
    • Despite this, India continues to engage constructively with the Council.
  • India’s participation in the Arctic Council highlights the global importance of Arctic issues, particularly regarding climate change and energy security.

 

PYQ:

[UPSC 2015] The term ‘IndARC’, sometimes seen in the news, is the name of:

(a) an indigenously developed radar system inducted into Indian Defence

(b) India’s satellite to provide services to the countries of Indian Ocean Rim

(c) a scientific establishment set up by India in Antarctic region

(d) India’s underwater observatory to scientifically study the Arctic region

[UPSC 2018] Why is India taking keen in resources of Arctic region?

[UPSC 2015] What are the economic significances of discovery of oil in Arctic Sea and its possible environmental consequences?

 

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