Bills & Acts - India’s Polar Endeavours

  SANSAD TV - Discussion   May 22, 2024   115  Add to Reading List
Bills & Acts - India’s Polar Endeavours

India's growing global presence extends to the polar regions, exemplified by its unveiling of the Arctic Policy titled 'India and the Arctic: Building a Partnership for Sustainable Development.'

As one of the 13 Observer nations in the Arctic Council, India actively participates in this intergovernmental body. The Arctic Council serves as a platform for promoting research and fostering cooperation among Arctic countries, focusing on environmental protection and sustainable development in the Arctic region.

India's engagement in the Arctic Council underscores its commitment to contributing to the preservation and sustainable management of the Arctic environment, while also seeking to harness the region's potential for mutual benefit and global progress.

India's Arctic Policy, highlighting the key points:

  • Historical Engagement: India's involvement with the Arctic dates back to 1920 when it signed the Svalbard Treaty, marking its initial connection with the region.

  • Research Initiatives: India embarked on its Arctic research program in 2007, focusing on climate change studies. Objectives include examining the relationship between Arctic climate and the Indian monsoon, analyzing sea ice dynamics using satellite data, and assessing the impact of global warming.

  • Scientific Exploration: The policy emphasizes scientific research, encompassing studies on Arctic glaciers, sea-level variations, and biodiversity assessment.

  • Pillars of Policy: The policy framework is structured around six central pillars, including science and research, environmental protection, economic and human development, transportation and connectivity, governance, and international cooperation, and national capacity building.

  • Environmental Stewardship: India is committed to environmental protection in the Arctic, aligning with global efforts to preserve the region's delicate ecosystem.

  • Economic and Human Development: The policy aims to foster economic opportunities and human development in the Arctic, recognizing its potential for sustainable growth and prosperity.

  • Transportation and Connectivity: India seeks to enhance transportation and connectivity infrastructure in the Arctic, facilitating greater access and collaboration with Arctic nations.

  • Governance and Cooperation: India advocates for effective governance mechanisms and international cooperation to address Arctic challenges and promote shared interests.

  • Capacity Building: The policy emphasizes the importance of national capacity building initiatives to enhance India's engagement and influence in Arctic affairs.

Objectives outlined in India's Arctic Policy:

  • Strengthening Capabilities: The policy aims to enhance India's scientific, exploratory, and environmental capabilities in the Arctic, alongside fostering maritime and economic cooperation in the region.

  • Building Institutional Capacity: It seeks to bolster institutional and human resource capacities through coordinated efforts across government, academic, research, and business sectors.

  • Understanding Climate Impact: India aims to deepen its understanding of climate change in the Arctic and its implications for India's climate, economy, and energy security.

  • Analyzing Ice Melting Effects: The policy focuses on analyzing the consequences of Arctic ice melting on India's economic, military, and strategic interests, particularly concerning global shipping routes, energy security, and mineral resources.

  • Studying Himalayan-Polar Linkages: It aims to explore connections between the polar regions and the Himalayas, fostering cooperation with Arctic nations and leveraging scientific and traditional knowledge.

  • Enhancing Participation in Arctic Governance: The policy seeks to increase India's involvement in the Arctic Council and improve its comprehension of Arctic governance structures, international laws, and regional geopolitics.

The Arctic is Earth's northernmost polar region, characterized by its frigid climate and extensive ice cover. It encompasses the Arctic Ocean, along with surrounding seas, and stretches across parts of Alaska (United States), Canada, Finland, Greenland (Denmark), Iceland, Norway, Russia, and Sweden. Land within the Arctic experiences seasonal fluctuations in snow and ice cover, shaping its distinctive landscape and ecological conditions.

The Arctic region holds significant importance across various domains:

Economic Significance:

  • Abundant Mineral Resources: The Arctic region boasts rich deposits of coal, gypsum, diamonds, zinc, lead, placer gold, and quartz, with Greenland alone possessing a substantial portion of the world's rare earth reserves.

Geographical Significance:

  • Oceanic Circulation: The Arctic plays a crucial role in global ocean circulation, facilitating the movement of cold and warm water masses, which influences weather patterns and climate regulation worldwide.
  • Climate Regulation: Arctic sea ice acts as a reflective surface, bouncing sunlight back into space and helping regulate Earth's temperature, making it pivotal in maintaining global climate stability.

The Arctic region faces several threats, including:

Climate Change:

  • Rapid warming due to greenhouse gas emissions is causing extensive melting of Arctic sea ice and permafrost, leading to rising sea levels globally.
  • Reduced sea ice levels endanger marine mammal species like ringed seals and polar bears, which rely on ice for habitat and hunting grounds.

Drilling for Oil and Gas:

  • Exploration and extraction of oil and gas in the Arctic pose significant environmental risks, including the potential for oil spills that can devastate marine ecosystems and wildlife.
  • Limited technology exists for effectively containing oil spills in the Arctic's harsh and remote conditions, exacerbating the environmental impact.

Shipping Traffic:

  • Diminishing sea ice has opened up new shipping routes in the Arctic, increasing the risk of accidents, pollution, and habitat disturbance for marine life.
  • Inadequate mapping and regulations in many parts of the Arctic Ocean heighten the risk of maritime accidents and environmental damage.

Rising Sea Levels:

  • Melting Arctic ice contributes to rising sea levels, exacerbating coastal erosion and intensifying storm surges.
  • Coastal areas, including important port cities in countries like India, are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of rising sea levels and increased storm activity.

Geopolitical Significance:

  • Strategic Importance: The melting Arctic ice has led to increased geopolitical competition, with countries like China identifying the region as a vital transportation corridor for initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This has sparked interest from nations like India to counterbalance geopolitical maneuvers and safeguard their interests in the region.
  • China's Presence: China's involvement in the Arctic, including its construction of nuclear icebreakers and promotion of Arctic shipping routes, poses challenges and opportunities for other nations, necessitating strategic responses to maintain geopolitical balance in the region.
  • India's Engagement: India's Arctic policy reflects its recognition of the geopolitical significance of the region and its efforts to engage with Arctic states to safeguard its interests and contribute to sustainable development in the Arctic.

Conflicts over the Arctic primarily revolve around territorial claims and geopolitical interests:

Overlapping Claims:

  • Russia, Canada, Norway, and Denmark (via Greenland) have overlapping claims for extended continental shelves and access to seabed resources, leading to potential territorial disputes.

Dominance of Russia:

  • Russia holds significant dominance in the Arctic, boasting the longest coastline and half of the Arctic population. It has implemented a comprehensive strategic policy and has actively militarized its northern bases and fleet.

Northern Sea Route (NSR):

  • Russia asserts control over the Northern Sea Route (NSR), claiming it falls within its territorial waters. This has sparked concerns and conflicts regarding the regulation and commercial exploitation of this vital shipping route.

Military Build-Up:

  • Russia has bolstered its military presence in the Arctic, refurbishing its nuclear-armed submarine fleet and conducting military exercises, including joint maneuvers with China, in the region.

Chinese Economic Interests:

  • China has rapidly emerged as a significant player in the Arctic, driven by economic interests. It has positioned the Polar Silk Road as an extension of its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and has invested heavily in Arctic infrastructure, energy projects, and mining ventures.

These conflicting interests and actions by Arctic nations and external powers like Russia and China have heightened tensions and raised concerns over sovereignty, resource exploitation, and geopolitical stability in the region.

Conclusion:
India's Arctic Policy marks a significant milestone in India's engagement with the Arctic region. By providing a strategic framework for policymakers, it sets the stage for a comprehensive approach to India's involvement in Arctic affairs. This policy not only underscores India's growing interest in the region but also signals its commitment to promoting sustainable development and fostering cooperation with Arctic states. Moreover, the policy is expected to enhance awareness about the Arctic within India and facilitate meaningful exchanges between the two regions through various programs, seminars, and events. As India continues to navigate its role in the Arctic, this policy serves as a crucial foundation for shaping its future engagement and contributions to the region's prosperity and stability.