Bering Strait and Chukchi Sea
Context:
U.S. President Donald Trump intensified his push for Greenland, calling it an “absolute necessity” for U.S. national security.
This brought to the frontline the geographical and geopolitical significance of the Bering Strait and Chukchi Sea
Geographical Significance:
The Chukchi Sea is a shallow Arctic shelf sea located north of the Bering Strait, sandwiched between Chukotka (Russia) and Alaska (USA).
It is bounded by the East Siberian Sea to the west and the Beaufort Sea to the east.
It is a vast, shallow plain with nearly 50% of its area less than 50 meters deep.
It covers a surface area of approximately 1.36 million sq. km.
The Bering Strait acts as a critical migration corridor.
The flow of Bering Sea water through the Bering Strait carries zooplankton that represents a major food source in the Chukchi Sea ecosystem.
It serves as a vital pathway for marine mammals like bowhead whales, belugas, and Pacific walruses moving between wintering and summering grounds.
Geopolitical Context:
Gateway to the Northern Sea Route (NSR):
The Bering Strait is the strategic chokepoint controlling access to the Northern Sea Route, which connects the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.
The NSR reduces travel time between Asia and Europe by 10–14 days compared to the Suez Canal.
Polar Silk Road:
The region is central to the "Polar Silk Road" initiative, with nations like China and Russia vying for access to unexplored energy reserves and critical minerals in the Arctic zone.
India’s Strategic Interest:
India has deepened its engagement in this region through recent MoUs with Russia for cooperation in the Arctic zone and the Russian Far East
The aim is to secure energy supplies and participate in the development of the NSR.