Greenland

Why in News?

Recently, Greenland has been in focus after U.S. President Donald Trump called for immediate talks on acquiring the island.

• Greenland, the world’s largest non-continental island, functions as a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark.
• Location & Extent – Situated in the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, between North America and Europe.
• Though part of the North American continent, it is politically associated with Europe through Denmark.
• Canada’s Ellesmere Island (north) and Iceland (southeast) are its nearest neighbours.
• Arctic Position – About two-thirds lies above the Arctic Circle.
• Experiences 24-hour daylight in summer and near-total darkness in winter.
• Landscape – Dominated by the Greenland Ice Sheet, which shapes most of the terrain and is the second largest in the world after Antarctica.
• Protected Areas – Nearly half of Greenland is protected as the National Park of Greenland, the world’s largest national park.
• Major mountain ranges – Watkins Range, Stauning Alps
• Major rivers – Børglum, Qinnguata Kuussua, Majorqaq
• Geopolitics – NATO Linkage – Greenland is part of NATO through Denmark’s membership, giving it strategic relevance in the transatlantic alliance.
• Strategic Location – Positioned between North America, Europe and the Arctic, making it vital for military surveillance and security.
• U.S. Military Presence – Hosts a key U.S. air base, highlighting its importance in Arctic and North Atlantic defence.
• Resource Competition – Greenland lies in a region rich in oil, gas and critical minerals, increasing interest from major powers amid Arctic thaw.
• Arctic Geopolitics – Melting ice is opening new Arctic shipping routes, increasing global and regional competition from global powers such as the U.S., Russia and China.
• India’s stand – Climate Linkage – India’s Arctic Policy recognises that Greenland’s ice melt affects global sea levels and alters atmospheric circulation, influencing the Indian monsoon.
• Arctic Council Role – India has Observer status in the Arctic Council since 2013 and engages in discussions on environmental protection and sustainable resource use.
• Market Impact – Geopolitical uncertainty linked to the “Greenland factor” has contributed to global financial market instability.
• Scientific Presence – India operates the Himadri research station in Svalbard, with long-term scientific engagement with Arctic climate processes.

References

1. TH | Trump calls for ‘immediate’ talks on Greenland
2. Facts about Greenland | Nordic cooperation