What is the significance of the newly launched icebreakers? Why are countries racing to display power in the Arctic? What is India’s position?

·      Russian President Vladimir Putin virtually presided over the launch and flag raising ceremony of two nuclear-powered icebreakers at St. Petersburg and said such icebreakers were of “strategic importance”.

·      As climate change opens up the Arctic giving access to new routes and resources, there is a race by adjoining countries to build up their militaries and Russia has a clear lead over them.

Why are the Russian icebreakers significant?

·      Mr. Putin said both icebreakers were laid down as part of their large-scale, systematic work to re-equip and replenish the domestic icebreaker fleet, to strengthen Russia’s status as a “great Arctic power.”

·      There are two already similar vessels in service, Arktika and Sibir. Mr. Putin said that a much more powerful 209-metre-long nuclear icebreaker “Rossiya,” displacing up to 71,380 tonnes, would be completed by 2027.

·      Russia has reactivated several Soviet era Arctic military bases and upgraded its capabilities.

·      Mr. Putin talked of the importance of the Northern Sea Route, which cuts down time to reach Asia by up to two weeks compared to the current route via the Suez canal.

§  “They are needed for the study and development of the Arctic, to ensure safe, sustainable navigation in this region, to increase traffic along the Northern Sea Route,”. 

§  “The development of this most important transport corridor will allow Russia to more fully unlock its export potential and establish efficient logistics routes, including to South East Asia.”

Why are countries racing towards the Arctic?

v There has been a race among Arctic states and near-Arctic states to augment their capabilities in a bid to be ready to capitalise on the melting Arctic. 

v Russian military modernisation in the Arctic has prompted other Arctic states to join the bandwagon. Unlike Antarctica, the Arctic is not a global common accentuating the problem.

v For instance, the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) has been conducting regular exercises in the region while partner countries are investing in upgrading military capabilities. At the same time, China, which calls itself to be a near-Arctic state, has also announced ambitious plans for a ‘polar silk route’ to connect to Europe as well building massive icebreakers.

Where does India stand with respect to the Arctic?

v Since 2007, India has an Arctic research programme with as many as 13 expeditions undertaken till date.

v In March 2022, India unveiled its first Arctic policy, which lays down six pillars:

Ø  strengthening India’s scientific research and cooperation,

Ø  climate and environmental protection,

Ø  economic and human development,

Ø  transportation and connectivity,

Ø  governance and international cooperation, and

Ø  national capacity building in the Arctic region.

India is also one of the 13 Observers in the Arctic Council, the leading intergovernmental forum promoting cooperation in the Arctic. 

As the earth further heats up, which is more profound at the poles, the race for the Arctic is set to accelerate which makes the Arctic the next geopolitical hotspot with all interests converging on it – environmental, economic, political and military.

Source: TH

Team Manvendra IAS