India's Arctic Policy: Research, Environment, and Geopolitics

TOPIC CLASSIFICATION

Subject: Science & Technology / International Relations Sub-area: Polar Science / Geopolitics Prelim PYQ Trend: Low (occasional questions on Arctic Council membership) Mains Relevance: GS-2 (IR), GS-3 (Science & Tech, Environment)

EXAMINER REASONING

India's Arctic Policy (2022) is a relatively recent document, making it exam-relevant. The examiner tests: (a) India's Arctic interests - research (Himadri station), climate impact (monsoon link), economic (oil, gas, minerals, shipping); (b) Arctic governance - Arctic Council, UNCLOS, Svalbard Treaty; (c) India's status - observer at Arctic Council; (d) environmental concerns - ice melt, permafrost thaw, albedo feedback; (e) geopolitical competition - Russia-China in Arctic, NATO's Arctic expansion, Northwest Passage vs Northern Sea Route. The topic tests inter-disciplinary integration.

Core Concept

Why India Cares About the Arctic:

• Climate Link: Arctic warming affects Indian monsoon (negative Arctic Oscillation → weak monsoons)
• Sea Level Rise: Greenland ice sheet melt contributes 0.8 mm/yr to global sea level rise
• Scientific Research: Atmospheric, biological, glaciological studies at Himadri (Svalbard, Norway)
• Economic Interests: Arctic holds ~13% of undiscovered oil, 30% of untapped gas; shipping routes (Northern Sea Route reduces Europe-Asia distance by 40%)
• Strategic: Arctic is emerging arena of great power competition