India’s Arctic Policy & Strategic Presence in the Polar Region (2025)

5️⃣7️⃣ India’s Arctic Policy & Strategic Presence in the Polar Region (2025) ❄️🇮🇳

🔹 Introduction

India is expanding its scientific, environmental, and strategic presence in the Arctic region under its Arctic Policy 2022, focusing on climate research, energy exploration, and geopolitical partnerships. As the Arctic ice melts due to climate change, new opportunities for shipping routes, mineral resources, and energy reserves are emerging.

With increased activity by China, Russia, and Western powers in the Arctic, India is strengthening its scientific research stations, Arctic shipping access, and energy cooperation while ensuring environmental sustainability and global governance.

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🔹 Key Developments in India’s Arctic Policy (2025)

✅ Expansion of India’s Arctic Research & Scientific Stations 🏔️

• Himadri Research Station upgraded for advanced climate and glaciology studies.
• India’s National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) expands Arctic expeditions.
• AI-based climate modeling used to predict Arctic climate impact on Indian monsoons.

✅ Energy & Mineral Resource Exploration in the Arctic ⛏️

• Collaboration with Russia for Arctic oil & gas extraction.
• Indian companies exploring rare-earth minerals in Greenland & Norway.
• India joins Arctic energy forums for sustainable resource management.

✅ Arctic Shipping & Northern Sea Route (NSR) Access 🚢

• India-Russia partnership for Arctic shipping via the Northern Sea Route.
• Potential reduction in trade route distances between India & Europe.
• Research on icebreaker ships for year-round Arctic operations.

✅ Environmental & Geopolitical Concerns in the Arctic 🌍

• Monitoring Arctic ice melt impact on rising sea levels in South Asia.
• India’s diplomatic engagement with Arctic Council for sustainable governance.
• Balancing relations with Russia, the US, and China in Arctic geopolitics.

✅ Challenges in India’s Arctic Strategy ⚠️

• High cost of Arctic expeditions & infrastructure development.
• Balancing energy exploration with environmental conservation.
• Geopolitical tensions in Arctic governance between major powers.

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📌 Advanced 3-Statement-Based MCQs on India’s Arctic Policy (2025)

1️⃣ Consider the following statements regarding India’s Arctic Research Initiatives:

1. The Himadri Research Station is India’s primary Arctic research facility located in Norway.
2. The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) oversees India’s Arctic and Antarctic missions.
3. India has permanent military bases in the Arctic region to safeguard its research interests.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, and 3

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2️⃣ Consider the following statements regarding India’s energy interests in the Arctic:

1. India has partnered with Russia for oil and gas exploration in the Arctic region.
2. The Arctic region is rich in rare-earth minerals, which are critical for India’s technology sector.
3. India is the only non-Arctic country with full membership in the Arctic Council.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, and 3

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3️⃣ Consider the following statements regarding India’s interest in the Northern Sea Route (NSR):

1. The Northern Sea Route (NSR) offers India a shorter trade route to Europe compared to traditional maritime routes.
2. India is collaborating with Russia for joint shipping projects in the Arctic.
3. The NSR is open for year-round navigation without the need for icebreaker assistance.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, and 3

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4️⃣ Consider the following statements regarding India’s environmental concerns in the Arctic:

1. Melting Arctic ice has a direct impact on India’s monsoon patterns and sea level rise.
2. India has deployed AI-powered climate models to study Arctic climate change effects.
3. The Arctic Treaty of 1967 strictly prohibits any commercial activity in the region.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, and 3

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5️⃣ Consider the following statements regarding India’s geopolitical strategy in the Arctic:

1. India is balancing its Arctic engagements between Russia, the US, and China.
2. The Arctic is a demilitarized zone with no presence of military installations.
3. India’s Arctic policy prioritizes scientific research, environmental protection, and sustainable development.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, and 3

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🚀 Conclusion

India’s Arctic engagement is expanding in research, energy, and trade, but high costs, geopolitical tensions, and environmental challenges persist. With scientific collaborations, sustainable policies, and strategic partnerships, India is enhancing its Arctic presence while maintaining a balanced foreign policy approach.