The Arctic region is undergoing unprecedented environmental transformation due to rapid climate change.
What is the issue?
Highest surface air temperature – According to the Arctic Report Card 2025 published by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Arctic recorded the highest surface air temperatures in the last 125 years.
The past ten years have been the warmest decade ever recorded in the Arctic region.
Artic amplification – Arctic warming is occurring at more than twice the global average rate, a phenomenon known as Arctic amplification.
Arctic Climate Crisis – Shrinking glaciers, rising ocean temperatures, and declining sea ice are key indicators of Arctic warming.
The oldest and thickest Arctic sea ice has declined by more than 95% since the 1980s.
March 2025 recorded the lowest maximum sea ice extent in the 47-year satellite observation record.
June snow cover in the Arctic is now nearly 50% of what it was in the 1960s.
Reduced snow and ice cover lowers the region’s albedo, leading to greater absorption of solar radiation.
This process creates a positive feedback loop that accelerates further warming.
Permafrost thaw releases iron, mercury, and toxic metals into rivers, a phenomenon described as “rusting rivers.”
These changes degrade freshwater quality and disrupt Arctic ecosystems and indigenous livelihoods.
What are the impacts and consequences of Artic Thaw?
Ecological Consequences of Arctic Warming – Arctic warming is reshaping terrestrial and marine ecosystems at an unprecedented pace.
Thawing permafrost destabilizes land surfaces and releases large quantities of greenhouse gases like methane.
The process of Atlantification is introducing warmer Atlantic waters into the Arctic Ocean.
Atlantification leads to increased ocean mixing, reduced sea ice formation, and altered circulation patterns.
Rising ocean temperatures have increased phytoplankton productivity and chlorophyll concentration.
While this may boost fisheries temporarily, it also disrupts established food chains.
Wildlife species such as polar bears, seals, and Arctic birds face habitat loss and food scarcity.
Indigenous communities experience threats to food security, traditional livelihoods, and cultural survival.
Impact on Indian Monsoon – Arctic changes are not regionally confined and have far-reaching global climatic consequences.
A 2024 study by India’s National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) highlights Arctic influence on atmospheric circulation.
Arctic warming affects Rossby waves and jet stream patterns in the Northern Hemisphere.
These altered atmospheric patterns increase the unpredictability of the Indian Summer Monsoon Rainfall (ISMR).
Variability in monsoon rainfall directly affects Indian agriculture, food security, and rural livelihoods.
Therefore, Arctic climate stability is closely linked to India’s domestic climate resilience.
What are the importance of Artic region?
The Arctic as a Geopolitical Hotspot – The Arctic covers nearly 4 % of the Earth’s surface and connects North America, Europe, and Asia.
The region is governed primarily through the Arctic Council, which includes eight Arctic states.
These states are the United States, Canada, Russia, Norway, Denmark (Greenland), Iceland, Sweden, and Finland.
The Arctic is estimated to hold significant reserves of oil, natural gas, and critical minerals.
Melting ice is making these resources increasingly accessible for exploration and exploitation.
New maritime routes are emerging due to reduced ice cover.
These developments have transformed the Arctic into a centre of strategic competition.
Economic and Strategic Significance – The Northern Sea Route (NSR), also known as the Northeast Passage, connects the Pacific Ocean with the Atlantic Ocean.
Climate-induced ice retreat has made the NSR increasingly navigable for longer durations.
The NSR can reduce travel distance between Eastern Asia and Europe by nearly 40% compared to the Suez Canal route.
Reduced travel time lowers fuel costs, shipping duration, and carbon emissions.
Russia views the NSR as a strategic asset for economic development and geopolitical leverage.
Western sanctions on Russia have increased its reliance on Asian partners for NSR development.
Infrastructure development along the NSR requires massive investment in ports, ice-breakers, and satellite navigation systems.
China and Non-Arctic Actors in the Arctic – China declared itself a “near-Arctic state” in 2018.
It launched the Polar Silk Road as part of its Belt and Road Initiative.
China seeks access to Arctic shipping lanes, energy resources, and scientific influence.
Other non-Arctic states, including India, Japan, and South Korea, are increasing their Arctic engagement.
These countries advocate for the Arctic as a global commons accessible to all.
However, increasing militarisation and geopolitical fragmentation threaten Arctic cooperation.
Finland and Sweden joining NATO has further polarized Arctic geopolitics.
What is the India’s Arctic engagement?
Historical and Institutional Foundations – India is a signatory to the Svalbard Treaty of 1920.
India launched its first Arctic scientific expedition in 2007.
The Himadri research station was established in Svalbard in 2008.
India obtained Observer status in the Arctic Council in 2013.
Scientific research has remained the cornerstone of India’s Arctic presence.
India released its Arctic Policy in 2022 to institutionalize its engagement.
India’s Arctic Policy 2022 – Six Pillars
Strengthening scientific research and international cooperation.
Climate and environmental protection.
Economic and human development.
Transportation and connectivity.
Governance and multilateral engagement.
National capacity building in polar sciences.
The policy reflects India’s balanced approach combining sustainability and strategic interests.
India’s Strategic Interests in the Arctic – India seeks energy diversification and access to critical minerals through Arctic cooperation.
Since 2021, India has supported infrastructure development along Russia’s Northern Sea Route.
The Chennai-Vladivostok maritime corridor became operational in 2024.
This corridor reduces shipping time between India and Europe by nearly two weeks.
India can leverage its experience in the Himalayas and Antarctica for Arctic research.
Strengthening climate modelling and monsoon research is essential.
Diplomatic engagement with all Arctic states is necessary to safeguard India’s interests.
Cooperation between the “Third Pole” and the “North Pole” will shape the Arctic’s future.
What lies ahead?
The Arctic thaw represents both a global climate emergency and a geopolitical inflection point.
Environmental degradation in the Arctic has direct implications for global climate systems.
Economic opportunities are expanding alongside strategic rivalries.
India’s Arctic policy provides a comprehensive framework but requires sustained implementation.
Scientific leadership, climate diplomacy, and strategic partnerships will define India’s Arctic role.
A cooperative and rules-based Arctic order is essential for global climate stability.
