India and the Arctic, Time for a Strategic Reset
Why in News?
With rising geopolitical tensions and climate change transforming the Arctic into a new theatre of strategic competition, experts are urging India to recalibrate its Arctic policy. The region’s increasing militarisation and emerging alliances among Arctic and Indo-Pacific powers make it imperative for India to reassess its strategic engagement in the high north. 
Introduction
Long seen as a remote zone of scientific exploration and environmental protection, the Arctic is undergoing rapid geopolitical change. Climate change has unlocked new sea routes like the Northern Sea Route (NSR), and global powers—Russia, China, the US, and others—are vying for influence. India, which released an Arctic Policy in 2022, must now transition from a passive observer to a more strategically active stakeholder.
Key Issues and Institutional Concerns
1. Militarisation of the Arctic
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Arctic states are reopening military bases, upgrading submarines, and reinforcing claims.
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With the ice melting, control over these routes has become a matter of military and economic dominance.
2. India’s Passive Posture
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India has a scientific presence in the Arctic, including a research station in Svalbard and observer status on the Arctic Council.
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However, India’s detached posture and limited activity in security or infrastructure discussions have reduced its influence.
3. Strategic Overlaps and Regional Blurring
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Russia-China coordination in the Arctic, combined with Chinese activity in the Indian Ocean, demands India’s attention.
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The overlap between Arctic and Indo-Pacific geopolitics suggests India can no longer treat them separately.
4. Diplomatic Repercussions
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Nordic states are uneasy over India’s ties with Russia amid the Ukraine conflict.
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India’s lack of strategic engagement risks being seen as ambivalence.
Challenges and the Way Forward
1. Strategic Blind Spots
India’s Arctic outlook lacks integration with broader maritime and strategic policy, risking diplomatic sidelining as Arctic power dynamics evolve.
2. Three-Part Strategy for Engagement
Experts recommend a recalibrated, purposeful engagement:
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Institutionalise Arctic policy: Create Arctic-focused units within the Defence and External Affairs ministries, linking with think tanks.
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Partner with Arctic states: Support dual-use initiatives like satellite monitoring, maritime infrastructure, and logistics.
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Secure a seat in new forums: Join platforms shaping Arctic governance like shipping regulations, blue economy, and digital connectivity.
3. Promote Responsible Influence
India must avoid confrontation but assert its presence by engaging local communities, promoting sustainability, and aligning Arctic engagement with its broader SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) maritime doctrine.
Conclusion
India’s Arctic strategy is currently symbolic rather than strategic. As Arctic politics intensify and climate shifts open new opportunities and challenges, India must move beyond rhetoric. Proactive diplomatic, scientific, and commercial engagement, guided by strategic autonomy, will help India remain a relevant actor in this emerging frontier.
Q&A Section
Q1. Why is the Arctic becoming geopolitically important?
Due to climate change, the Arctic now offers open sea routes like the NSR, increased access to resources, and is witnessing militarisation by global powers.
Q2. What role has India played in the Arctic so far?
India maintains a research station in Svalbard and has observer status in the Arctic Council, but its involvement remains limited and largely scientific.
Q3. Why should India rethink its Arctic outlook?
Growing Russia-China cooperation, strategic overlap with the Indo-Pacific, and Arctic militarisation necessitate a more active and purposeful Indian engagement.
Q4. What strategic approach is recommended for India in the Arctic?
India should adopt a three-part strategy—strengthening institutional coordination, aligning with Arctic states on infrastructure and science, and participating in new Arctic governance forums.
Q5. How does Arctic engagement align with India’s broader maritime policy?
It complements India’s SAGAR vision by promoting secure, inclusive, and sustainable maritime engagement, extending India’s influence from the Indian Ocean to the polar north.
