Indias Draft Arctic Policy

The Indian government has released a draft Arctic Policy document for public comment. The policy outlines India's Arctic mission, which aims to enhance understanding of the Arctic region, promote sustainable cooperation between India and the Arctic, strengthen efforts against global warming, understand the links between the Arctic and Indian monsoons, harmonize polar research with the Himalayas, and advance Arctic studies within India. The Arctic region is defined as the area north of latitude 66° 34' N, including the Arctic Ocean.

Five Arctic littoral states—Canada, Denmark (Greenland), Norway, Russia, and the USA (Alaska)—have jurisdiction over much of this ocean. The Arctic Council is a high-level intergovernmental forum for Arctic cooperation focused on environmental protection and sustainable development. Its members include Canada, Denmark, Finland, Russia, the US, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. India became an observer nation in 2013. India's engagement with the Arctic includes establishing the Himadri research base in Ny Alesund, Svalbard (2007), signing the Svalbard Treaty (1920), launching the first scientific expedition to the Arctic, and deploying the IndArc observatory in Kongsfjorden (2014).

India's Arctic Policy: A Comprehensive Analysis

In 2019, India took a significant step towards formalizing its engagement with the Arctic region by releasing a draft Arctic Policy for public comment. This policy document, meticulously crafted by the Indian government, represents a strategic articulation of India's interests, objectives, and approach to the rapidly transforming Arctic. The unveiling of the draft policy signaled India's growing recognition of the Arctic's geopolitical, scientific, and economic significance, particularly in the context of climate change and its multifaceted impacts.

Objectives and Scope of the Arctic Policy

The core of India's Arctic Policy revolves around several key objectives. First and foremost is the enhancement of scientific understanding of the Arctic region. This encompasses a wide range of research areas, from the study of Arctic climate and its effects on global weather patterns to the investigation of Arctic ecosystems and their response to environmental changes. The policy underscores the importance of collaborative research initiatives with other Arctic nations and institutions to foster a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the Arctic environment.

A second critical objective is the promotion of sustainable cooperation between India and the Arctic region. This includes exploring opportunities for economic partnerships, technological collaborations, and cultural exchanges that are both mutually beneficial and environmentally responsible. The policy emphasizes the need to balance economic development with environmental protection, ensuring that any activities undertaken in the Arctic are conducted in a sustainable and ecologically sound manner.

Strengthening efforts against global warming constitutes a third major pillar of the Arctic Policy. Recognizing the Arctic's vulnerability to climate change and its role as an early indicator of global warming trends, the policy calls for concerted efforts to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and promote climate adaptation strategies. This includes supporting international initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions, investing in renewable energy technologies, and implementing policies to enhance climate resilience.

A particularly important aspect of the policy is its focus on understanding the links between the Arctic and Indian monsoons. Scientific evidence suggests that changes in the Arctic climate can have a significant impact on the Indian monsoon system, which is crucial for India's agriculture and economy. The policy aims to enhance research on these linkages to improve monsoon prediction and develop strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of monsoon variability.

Harmonizing polar research with the Himalayas represents another unique dimension of India's Arctic Policy. The policy recognizes the similarities between the Arctic and Himalayan regions in terms of their fragile ecosystems, extreme climate conditions, and vulnerability to climate change. By fostering collaboration between researchers working in the Arctic and Himalayas, the policy seeks to leverage shared expertise and knowledge to address common challenges.

Finally, the policy aims to advance Arctic studies within India. This includes promoting Arctic-related research in Indian universities and research institutions, developing educational programs to train experts in Arctic science and policy, and raising public awareness about the importance of the Arctic region.

Defining the Arctic

For the purpose of its policy, India adopts the conventional definition of the Arctic region as the area north of latitude 66° 34' N. This geographical boundary encompasses the Arctic Ocean, its surrounding landmasses, and associated ice cover. The Arctic Ocean is a vast body of water that is bordered by five Arctic littoral states: Canada, Denmark (Greenland), Norway, Russia, and the United States (Alaska). These countries hold significant geopolitical and economic interests in the Arctic region due to their proximity to the Arctic Ocean and their control over Arctic territories.

The Arctic Council: A Forum for Cooperation

The Arctic Council stands as a pivotal intergovernmental forum dedicated to fostering cooperation among Arctic states and promoting the well-being of Arctic inhabitants. Established in 1996, the Arctic Council comprises eight member states: Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and the United States. It serves as a high-level platform for addressing issues related to environmental protection, sustainable development, and the social and cultural well-being of Arctic communities.

While the Arctic Council is not a treaty-based organization and lacks enforcement powers, it plays a crucial role in facilitating dialogue, coordinating research efforts, and developing policy recommendations for the Arctic region. Its strength lies in its ability to bring together diverse perspectives and foster consensus-building among Arctic states. India, recognizing the importance of the Arctic Council, secured observer status in 2013, allowing it to participate in discussions and contribute to the Council's work.

India's Historical and Contemporary Engagement with the Arctic

India's engagement with the Arctic is not a recent phenomenon but rather a continuation of a long-standing interest in polar research and international cooperation. India's connection to the Arctic can be traced back to the signing of the Svalbard Treaty in 1920. This treaty, which recognizes Norway's sovereignty over the Svalbard archipelago, grants equal rights to signatory nations to engage in commercial activities, including resource exploitation, on the islands and in their territorial waters. India's ratification of the Svalbard Treaty laid the foundation for its future involvement in Arctic research and development.

In 2007, India established its first Arctic research base, Himadri, in Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard. This research station serves as a hub for Indian scientists to conduct a wide range of studies on Arctic climate, glaciology, atmospheric science, and marine biology. The establishment of Himadri marked a significant milestone in India's Arctic program, providing a permanent platform for scientific research and international collaboration.

Further solidifying its commitment to Arctic research, India launched its first scientific expedition to the Arctic in 2007. This expedition involved a team of Indian scientists who conducted studies on various aspects of the Arctic environment, including sea ice dynamics, oceanography, and atmospheric chemistry. The expedition provided valuable data and insights into the Arctic's changing climate and its impact on global weather patterns.

In 2014, India deployed the IndArc observatory in Kongsfjorden, Svalbard. This underwater observatory is equipped with a suite of sensors and instruments that continuously monitor various parameters of the marine environment, including temperature, salinity, ocean currents, and marine life. The IndArc observatory provides real-time data on the state of the Arctic Ocean, contributing to a better understanding of its dynamics and its response to climate change.

Key Terms and Concepts

To fully appreciate the significance of India's Arctic Policy, it is essential to understand some key terms and concepts related to the Arctic region.

• Arctic Policy: An Arctic Policy is a comprehensive document outlining a country's strategic goals, objectives, and approach towards the Arctic region. It typically covers areas such as scientific research, environmental protection, resource management, international cooperation, and security. An Arctic Policy serves as a roadmap for a country's engagement in the Arctic, ensuring that its interests are addressed and its activities are aligned with international norms and regulations.

• Arctic Council: As previously mentioned, the Arctic Council is a high-level intergovernmental forum that addresses issues faced by the Arctic governments and the indigenous people of the Arctic. It is not a treaty-based organization but serves as a platform for cooperation and coordination. The Arctic Council plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable development and environmental protection in the Arctic region.

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• Observer State: An observer state is a nation that is not a member of an international organization but is allowed to attend meetings and participate in discussions. Observers typically have limited rights and cannot vote on resolutions. India's observer status in the Arctic Council allows it to engage with Arctic nations, conduct research, and advocate for its interests without having full membership rights.

• Svalbard Treaty: The Svalbard Treaty, signed in 1920, recognizes the sovereignty of Norway over the archipelago of Svalbard but grants equal rights to signatory nations to engage in commercial activities, including resource exploitation, on the islands and in their territorial waters. India is a signatory to the Svalbard Treaty, which allows it to establish research facilities and conduct scientific activities in Svalbard.

Organizations Involved

Several organizations play a crucial role in shaping the Arctic landscape and influencing India's engagement with the region.

• The Arctic Council: As mentioned previously, the Arctic Council is the primary intergovernmental forum for Arctic cooperation. Its mandate includes promoting cooperation, coordination, and interaction among the Arctic States, Arctic indigenous communities, and other Arctic inhabitants on common Arctic issues, in particular on issues of sustainable development and environmental protection in the Arctic. The Arctic Council facilitates joint projects and initiatives, sets standards and guidelines for Arctic activities, and provides a platform for dialogue and consensus-building. However, it lacks enforcement powers and relies on member states to implement its recommendations and guidelines.

Legal Frameworks Governing the Arctic

The Arctic region is governed by a complex web of international laws, treaties, and agreements. One of the most important legal frameworks is the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which establishes the legal regime for maritime activities, including navigation, resource exploitation, and environmental protection. UNCLOS defines the rights and responsibilities of states in the Arctic Ocean, including the delimitation of maritime boundaries and the regulation of shipping.

The Svalbard Treaty, as previously discussed, is another key legal instrument that governs activities in the Svalbard archipelago. The treaty recognizes Norwegian sovereignty over Svalbard but grants equal rights to signatory nations for commercial activities, including resource exploitation. Article 3 of the treaty grants nationals of all contracting parties equal access and rights to Svalbard, including the right to carry on maritime, industrial, mining, or commercial activities on a basis of absolute equality. This provision allows India to maintain its research base, Himadri, in Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard.

Historical Precedents: Lessons from Antarctica

India's experience in Antarctica provides valuable lessons and insights for its Arctic program. India has successfully maintained research stations in Antarctica for decades, demonstrating its capability in polar research and logistics. The Indian Antarctic Program has conducted a wide range of studies on Antarctic climate, glaciology, geology, and biology, contributing significantly to our understanding of the Antarctic environment.

India's experience in Antarctica provides a foundation for its Arctic program, including the establishment and operation of research facilities in extreme environments. The logistical challenges of operating in remote and harsh polar regions are similar in both Antarctica and the Arctic, and India's expertise in Antarctic logistics can be readily applied to its Arctic activities.

Stakeholder Positions and Interests

Understanding the positions and interests of various stakeholders is crucial for navigating the complex geopolitical landscape of the Arctic.

• India: India's official position is to enhance understanding of the Arctic region, promote sustainable cooperation, and address climate change. Its underlying interests include scientific research, access to resources, strategic presence, and mitigating the impact of climate change on the Indian monsoon. India has taken several actions to advance its Arctic interests, including developing the draft Arctic policy, conducting scientific expeditions, and maintaining a research base in Svalbard.

• Arctic Littoral States (Canada, Denmark, Norway, Russia, USA): The Arctic littoral states aim to maintain sovereignty and control over their Arctic territories and resources. Their underlying interests include economic development, resource exploitation, security, and environmental protection. These countries have developed national Arctic strategies, invested in infrastructure, and asserted their territorial claims to advance their interests.

• Arctic Council Member States: The Arctic Council member states are committed to promoting cooperation and sustainable development in the Arctic region. Their underlying interests include environmental protection, indigenous rights, and responsible resource management. These countries participate in Arctic Council initiatives, implement environmental regulations, and support indigenous communities to achieve their goals.

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Broader Implications of India's Arctic Policy

India's Arctic Policy has far-reaching implications for the Arctic region and for India's role in the global arena.

• Political Implications: The policy contributes to the increased geopolitical competition in the Arctic region, as various countries vie for influence and access to resources. It could potentially lead to conflicts over resources and shipping routes if not managed carefully through international cooperation.

• Diplomatic Implications: The policy strengthens bilateral and multilateral relations with Arctic nations, as India seeks to collaborate on research, development, and environmental protection initiatives. It provides a framework for India to engage in constructive dialogue and build partnerships with other Arctic stakeholders.

• Legal Implications: The policy necessitates the clarification of legal frameworks governing activities in the Arctic, including resource exploitation and environmental protection. It encourages India to engage in international discussions on the development of legal norms and standards for the Arctic region.

• Security Implications: The policy indirectly contributes to the increased military presence and activity in the Arctic, as countries seek to protect their interests and assert their sovereignty. It highlights the potential for heightened tensions between major powers in the Arctic region.

• Humanitarian Implications: The policy acknowledges the potential impacts on indigenous communities and their traditional way of life. It emphasizes the need to protect indigenous rights and promote their participation in decision-making processes related to the Arctic.

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• Economic Implications: The policy opens up opportunities for resource extraction, shipping, and tourism in the Arctic region. It encourages India to explore potential economic partnerships with Arctic nations and to invest in infrastructure development in the Arctic.

• Technological Implications: The policy drives advancements in Arctic research and technology, as India seeks to develop innovative solutions for addressing the challenges of operating in the Arctic environment. It encourages the development of new technologies for resource exploration, environmental monitoring, and climate adaptation.

• Environmental Implications: The policy raises concerns about the increased risk of environmental damage due to resource exploitation and climate change in the Arctic. It emphasizes the need for strict environmental regulations and responsible resource management practices to minimize the negative impacts on the Arctic ecosystem.

Connections and Context

India's Arctic Policy is closely connected to several ongoing issues and historical developments.

• Related Ongoing Issues: The policy is directly related to the ongoing challenges of climate change and its impact on the Arctic region. The melting of Arctic ice is opening up new shipping routes and access to natural resources, but it is also threatening the Arctic ecosystem and contributing to global sea-level rise. The policy is also connected to the geopolitical competition in the Arctic, as various countries seek to assert their influence and control over the region. Furthermore, it touches upon issues related to resource exploitation in the Arctic, as countries explore the potential for extracting oil, gas, and minerals from the Arctic seabed. Finally, the policy is linked to the protection of indigenous rights in the Arctic, as indigenous communities seek to preserve their traditional way of life and participate in decision-making processes.

• Historical Connections: India's engagement with the Arctic dates back to the early 20th century with the signing of the Svalbard Treaty in 1920. The establishment of the Himadri research base in Svalbard in 2007 marked a significant step in India's Arctic research. These historical connections provide a foundation for India's current Arctic policy and its future engagement with the region.

Future Outlook

India's Arctic Policy is likely to evolve as the Arctic region becomes more accessible and strategically important. India will likely increase its scientific research, strengthen its diplomatic ties with Arctic nations, and explore opportunities for resource exploitation and sustainable development. The future of India's Arctic engagement will depend on its ability to balance its economic interests with its environmental responsibilities and to work collaboratively with other Arctic stakeholders to promote peace, stability, and sustainable development in the region. As climate change continues to reshape the Arctic landscape, India's Arctic Policy will play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of the region and its impact on the world. The policy also needs to be adaptable, allowing India to quickly respond to new challenges and opportunities in the Arctic. This includes being open to new technologies and research findings, and being willing to adjust its approach as needed.

Moreover, it is imperative that India actively engages with the Arctic Council and other international forums to advocate for its interests and contribute to the development of international norms and standards for the Arctic. This engagement should be based on the principles of mutual respect, cooperation, and sustainable development. Furthermore, India should strive to build strong relationships with all Arctic stakeholders, including Arctic states, indigenous communities, and other interested parties. This includes fostering open dialogue, promoting cultural exchanges, and supporting initiatives that promote the well-being of Arctic communities.

The long-term success of India's Arctic Policy will depend on its ability to address the complex challenges and opportunities facing the Arctic region in a sustainable and responsible manner. This requires a holistic approach that considers the environmental, social, economic, and security dimensions of the Arctic. It also requires a strong commitment to international cooperation and a willingness to work with other Arctic stakeholders to achieve common goals.