UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 02nd April 2025

Home UPSC Current Affairs Why are tensions high in the Arctic?

Why are tensions high in the Arctic?

Why in News?

The Arctic is becoming a geopolitical hotspot due to climate change-driven accessibility, resource competition, and rising military tensions among global powers.

Introduction

The Arctic region, once largely isolated, has gained strategic importance due to climate change-induced ice melt, unlocking new trade routes and access to vast untapped natural resources.
However, overlapping territorial claims, military posturing, and geopolitical rivalries have escalated tensions among Arctic nations and global powers.

Geopolitical Significance of the Arctic

Natural Resources – The Arctic is estimated to hold 13% of the world’s undiscovered oil and 30% of its untapped natural gas reserves. Additionally, it has rare earth elements, phosphates, and lucrative fishing grounds.
Strategic Trade Routes – The melting ice has made shipping routes like the Northeast Passage (along Russia’s coast) and the Northwest Passage (through Canada’s Arctic Archipelago) more accessible, reducing maritime distance between Europe and Asia.
Military and Security Interests – The Arctic is witnessing increased military activity, particularly by Russia, the U.S., and NATO members, raising concerns about potential conflicts.

Governance of the Arctic

The Arctic Council consists of eight member countries: Canada, Denmark (Greenland), Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and the U.S. It focuses on environmental protection, scientific research, and indigenous rights.
Unlike Antarctica, which is protected under an international treaty, the Arctic is primarily governed by the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), allowing nations to claim the seabed beyond their Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs).
Russia, Canada, and Denmark have submitted overlapping claims over the Arctic seabed, leading to disputes.

Key Geopolitical Tensions

Russia vs. NATO – Russia has the most extensive Arctic infrastructure, including nuclear-powered icebreakers and military bases. Since Sweden and Finland joined NATO post-Ukraine war, NATO has strengthened its Arctic presence, raising tensions.
U.S. vs. Canada (Northwest Passage Dispute) – The U.S. considers the Northwest Passage an international waterway, whereas Canada claims it as internal waters, leading to legal and diplomatic disagreements.
U.S. vs. Denmark (Greenland Issue) – The U.S. has shown interest in acquiring Greenland due to its strategic location and rare earth deposits. Denmark has resisted these efforts and bolstered its security presence.
Russia’s Territorial Claims – Russian officials have suggested claims over Norway’s Svalbard Islands and have conducted military drills with China, adding to Arctic security concerns.
China’s Arctic Ambitions – Though not an Arctic nation, China has declared itself a “Near-Arctic State” and is pushing for the Polar Silk Road, aiming to use Arctic trade routes for economic expansion.

Implications of Arctic Tensions

Geopolitical Rivalries – The Arctic could become a zone of great-power competition, particularly between the U.S., Russia, NATO, and China.
Environmental Concerns – Increased human activity threatens the fragile Arctic ecosystem, accelerating climate change.
Resource Exploitation – Nations are eager to exploit the Arctic’s vast natural resources, which could lead to conflicts over extraction rights.
Maritime Security – Disputes over Arctic shipping routes could disrupt global trade, affecting economic stability.

Arctic Council

The Arctic Council is a high-level intergovernmental forum established to promote cooperation, coordination, and interaction among Arctic states, indigenous communities, and other stakeholders on Arctic issues.
It was founded by the Ottawa Declaration (1996) and focuses on sustainable development and environmental protection in the Arctic region.

Key Features of the Arctic Council

Feature	Details
Established	1996 (Ottawa Declaration)
Type	Intergovernmental forum (Not treaty-based)
Headquarters	Tromsø, Norway
Members	8 Arctic states
Observers	38 (including India, China, and Japan)
Focus Areas	Sustainable development, environmental protection, indigenous rights, scientific cooperation

Members of the Arctic Council

The eight Arctic states that form the core members of the Arctic Council are:

Canada
Denmark (including Greenland & Faroe Islands)
Finland
Iceland
Norway
Russia
Sweden
United States

Each of these states has sovereignty over parts of the Arctic region and plays a crucial role in governance and policy formulation.

Observers of the Arctic Council

The Arctic Council grants observer status to non-Arctic states, intergovernmental organizations, and NGOs. Observers participate in discussions but do not have decision-making rights.

Some key observer states include:

India (Observer since 2013)
China
Japan
South Korea
United Kingdom
Germany
France

India’s involvement focuses on scientific research, climate studies, and sustainable development.

Structure of the Arctic Council

Senior Arctic Officials (SAOs): Lead representatives from member states managing the council’s work.
Working Groups: Specialized bodies conducting research and projects on issues like climate change, biodiversity, and pollution.
Indigenous Permanent Participants: Six indigenous groups (e.g., Inuit Circumpolar Council, Saami Council) that actively contribute to decision-making.

Way Forward

Strengthening Arctic Governance – Establishing an Arctic treaty similar to the Antarctic Treaty System could help in resource-sharing and conflict prevention.
Diplomatic Dialogue – Arctic Council members should engage in multilateral negotiations to resolve overlapping territorial claims.
Environmental Protection – Sustainable development initiatives must be prioritized to balance economic interests with ecological preservation.
Military De-escalation – Confidence-building measures between NATO and Russia are essential to avoid an Arctic arms race.

Conclusion

The Arctic is emerging as a key theatre of strategic, economic, and military competition among global powers.
While climate change presents new opportunities, it also raises risks of territorial conflicts and environmental degradation. Effective diplomacy, multilateral cooperation, and sustainable policies are crucial for ensuring peace and stability in the region.