GROWING INTEREST IN ARCTIC AFFAIRS ON THE PART OF NON-ARCTIC STATE INDIA

Abstract

This Research Communication examines how and why India’s interest in Arctic affairs has evolved since it became an Observer state to the Arctic Council (AC) in 2013. The paper also asks what strengths India can offer to support AC member states to resume joint scientific research involving Russia? The study is based on the analysis of reports and media texts. The graphical method is used to present research results. Our findings demonstrate that India’s interest in Arctic affairs has grown since 2013 and today, in 2023, through achievements in scientific works, India has a goal to establish itself as an influential presence within the Arctic. Since 2011 India has been conducting studies on climate change in the Arctic. After becoming an Observer state in the AC, India actively participates in meetings of the Senior Arctic Officials, contributes to the six working groups of the AC and sustains engagement with the Arctic Energy Summit, Arctic Science Ministerial and Task Forces. India’s focus on cryospheric research has helped improve Arctic oceanography, atmosphere, pollution and microbiology. The study showed that the Arctic region is crucial for India as processes in this region affect atmospheric, oceanographic and biogeochemical cycles of the Earth’s ecosystem, especially in the Himalayas, commonly referred to as the Third Pole. The Arctic and the Himalayas are interconnected and share similar concerns. In considering how India’s activities can aid the Arctic region, we found that India has one of the most advanced space programs in the world and can offer expertise in providing satellite communication in remote areas. We also paid attention to how India may contribute politically to stability between the AC states. We conclude that with India taking over the G20 Presidency in 2022 it is likely that India could potentially act as a creditable and legitimate mediator to restore stability within the Arctic region. The G20 is extremely relevant to the Arctic, as six of the eight AC Permanent members and 12 of the 13 AC Observers are represented at the G20 Forum, and the G20 Forum’s agenda includes climate change, sustainable development, and the environment all of which are threatened by the downsizing of scientific research in the Arctic.

Keywords

• arctic
• india
• non-arctic state
• geopolitics
• strategy