Why is India taking keen interest in resources of Arctic Region? (UPSC 2018, 10 Marks, )

Introduction

India has been showing a keen interest in the resources of the Arctic region due to its strategic importance and potential economic benefits. As the Arctic region becomes more accessible due to climate change, countries like India are looking to capitalize on the opportunities it presents.

Explanation

India’s Interest in Arctic Resources

  • Global Geopolitical Significance: The Arctic is becoming a focal point for global powers due to its strategic location, opening shipping routes, and increasing geopolitical competition, especially between the USA, Russia, and China.
  • Energy and Mineral Resources:
    • The Arctic holds vast untapped reserves of oil, natural gas, and minerals. Estimates suggest that about 13% of the world’s undiscovered oil and 30% of its natural gas lie beneath the Arctic seabed, which makes it an area of interest for India’s energy security.
    • Indian oil companies, like ONGC Videsh Ltd., have expressed interest in exploring oil and gas opportunities in the Arctic.
  • Shipping Routes:
    • With global warming leading to the melting of Arctic ice, new shorter shipping routes are opening, particularly the Northern Sea Route (NSR).
    • This can reduce shipping time between Asia and Europe by almost 40%, making trade more efficient for India.
  • Climate Research and Impact:
    • India is a key player in global climate discussions and is invested in studying the Arctic to understand climate change impacts.
    • India has set up a research station called "Himadri" in Svalbard, Norway, for this purpose.
  • Strategic and Scientific Cooperation:
    • India has an observer status in the Arctic Council and is keen on expanding its role through scientific collaboration in the Arctic region.
    • Collaboration in polar research with Arctic nations is vital to understanding and mitigating the effects of climate change on India, especially its monsoon systems.
  • Rare Earth Elements (REE):
    • The Arctic is rich in REEs, essential for high-tech industries.
    • Given India’s need to reduce its dependence on China for REEs, the Arctic presents an opportunity for securing alternative sources.

Examples:

  • Himadri Research Station: India’s Arctic research facility in Norway has been actively involved in polar studies, contributing to global understanding of climate dynamics.
  • India’s Polar Research Strategy: Through the Ministry of Earth Sciences, India has developed an extensive polar research program, involving both the Arctic and Antarctic regions.

Conclusion

India's interest in the resources of the Arctic region is driven by a combination of economic, scientific, and strategic factors. As the region becomes more accessible, India is looking to capitalize on the opportunities it presents while also contributing to research and development efforts in the region.