The Arctic, long perceived as a frozen wilderness, is rapidly transforming into a crucial geopolitical and economic frontier. Melting ice due to climate change is unlocking new shipping routes and exposing vast reserves of hydrocarbons and minerals, making the region a focal point of global strategic competition. While traditionally dominated by Arctic states such as Russia, Canada, and the United States, non-Arctic nations, including China and India, are increasingly engaging with the region.

• India, despite its geographical distance, has recognized the Arctic's significance, primarily due to its impact on climate patterns, resource security, and strategic positioning. With the unveiling of India’s Arctic Policy in 2022, the country has taken a structured approach to enhancing its presence in the region. However, as global powers compete for influence, India must transition from a passive research-driven approach to a more strategic and geopolitical role to safeguard its long-term interests.

The Geopolitical and Economic Significance of the Arctic

• The Arctic region holds immense economic and strategic value due to its vast untapped resources. According to estimates, the region contains nearly 13% of the world's undiscovered oil and 30% of its unexploited natural gas reserves. These resources are increasingly accessible due to the retreating ice cover, making Arctic exploration and extraction commercially viable.
• Moreover, the Arctic is a crucial transit route. The Northern Sea Route (NSR)—which runs along Russia’s Arctic coast—reduces maritime travel time between Europe and Asia by nearly 40% compared to the Suez Canal route. This has significant implications for global trade, energy transportation, and supply chains.
• The governance of the Arctic is largely dictated by the Arctic Council, an intergovernmental forum comprising Arctic states (Russia, the US, Canada, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Iceland). While non-Arctic states like India and China have observer status, their influence remains limited. However, with increasing geopolitical competition and climate-driven changes, the role of non-Arctic states is expanding.

India’s Arctic Policy and Strategic Interests

India's Arctic engagement began with the signing of the Svalbard Treaty in 1920, which granted it access to the Arctic for scientific research and economic activities. In 2007, India established the Himadri Research Station in Svalbard, Norway, marking its first permanent Arctic presence.

In 2022, India formalized its Arctic ambitions by unveiling a comprehensive Arctic Policy, structured around six key pillars:

1.   Scientific Research and Climate Studies – Enhancing India's participation in climate research, Arctic weather modeling, and environmental studies.

2.   Economic and Resource Development – Exploring energy and mineral resource opportunities while promoting sustainable practices.

3.   Shipping and Connectivity – Evaluating Arctic shipping routes like the NSR for trade and logistics benefits.

4.   International Cooperation and Governance – Strengthening diplomatic engagement with Arctic states and institutions.

5.   Capacity Building and Human Resources – Developing technological expertise and indigenous capabilities for Arctic exploration.

6.   Environmental Protection and Sustainability – Balancing economic ambitions with responsible environmental stewardship.

While India's Arctic engagement has been largely scientific and environmental, recent developments indicate a shift towards economic and strategic objectives, particularly in collaboration with Russia.

India-Russia Relations and Arctic Cooperation

India’s growing interest in the Arctic’s hydrocarbon and mineral reserves is closely tied to its strategic partnership with Russia. The Russian Federation borders nearly 50-55% of the Arctic, placing a significant portion of Arctic resources under its jurisdiction.

India has already invested $15 billion in Russian oil and gas projects, demonstrating its commitment to securing energy resources from the region. At the 22nd Indo-Russia Summit, both nations emphasized deepening trade and investment cooperation, particularly in Russia’s Far East and Arctic zones.

1.   Energy Security and Hydrocarbon Exploration

o    India has increased imports of Russian crude oil, including Arctic grades like ARCO and Novy Port.

o    Joint ventures between Indian and Russian energy firms could enhance India’s access to Arctic oil and gas reserves.

2.   Northern Sea Route (NSR) Development

o    India and Russia have established a joint working group within the India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological, and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC) to collaborate on NSR trade routes.

o    Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, an Indian government entity, signed an agreement with Russia’s Zvezda Shipyard to strengthen Arctic commercial shipping.

3.   Multilateral Arctic Engagement

o    Despite Western opposition following the Ukraine conflict, Russia continues Arctic cooperation with India, particularly in renewable energy initiatives like the Snezhinka Arctic Station in the Yamal-Nenets region.

o    India’s engagement in Arctic governance through Russian platforms provides it with a strategic presence in the region.

Balancing Russia and China in the Arctic

While India collaborates with Russia, China has also expanded its Arctic ambitions under its "Polar Silk Road" initiative. However, China's growing assertiveness in the Russian Far East has led to tensions in the Russia-China Arctic relationship.

India’s neutral and time-tested relationship with Russia provides Moscow with a counterbalance to China’s influence. By deepening Arctic cooperation, India can enhance its geostrategic significance for Russia while securing long-term energy and trade interests.

Challenges in India’s Arctic Engagement

1.   Technological and Logistical Constraints

o    India lacks icebreaker fleets and polar infrastructure, limiting its ability to conduct extensive Arctic operations.

o    Unlike China, which has invested in Arctic logistics, India’s technological footprint remains minimal.

2.   Limited Influence in Arctic Governance

o    As an observer state in the Arctic Council, India has no voting rights, restricting its policymaking influence.

o    Western-led geopolitical tensions (e.g., NATO-Russia conflicts) could impact India’s partnerships.

3.   Environmental and Sustainability Concerns

o    India advocates sustainable Arctic resource development, but balancing economic and ecological priorities remains complex.

o    Climate change mitigation strategies must align with India’s increasing energy demands.

The Need for a Strategic Shift in India’s Arctic Policy

India’s Arctic engagement has so far been scientifically driven, but the global competition over Arctic resources requires a more comprehensive geopolitical approach.

A critical institutional recalibration is needed:

• Currently, India's Arctic policy is overseen by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), while Arctic diplomacy is managed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
• The MEA must play a central role in integrating strategic and economic dimensions into Arctic policymaking.

India must also focus on infrastructure development:

• Expanding scientific research stations and logistics capabilities will ensure a sustained Arctic presence.
• Collaborations with Arctic states beyond Russia (e.g., Norway and Canada) will diversify India’s strategic options.

Conclusion

As the Arctic transforms into a geopolitical battleground, India must move beyond scientific research and position itself as a trusted Arctic stakeholder. While collaborations with Russia offer economic and strategic advantages, India must ensure a balanced engagement strategy to avoid over-reliance on a single partner.

A decisive shift toward institutional reforms, infrastructure expansion, and multilateral Arctic diplomacy will be crucial. If India remains passive, it risks marginalization in Arctic governance. However, by proactively strengthening its Arctic strategy, India can secure long-term resource access, trade opportunities, and global strategic influence in this evolving geopolitical landscape.