DAW 13th December 2025, Mains Answer Writting 2026

DAW 13th December 2025, Mains Answer Writting 2026

Question

Why is India taking keen interest in resources of Arctic Region? (150 Words, 10 Marks).

Model Answer

Approach:

Introduction:

  • Briefly highlight India’s Arctic interest as driven by climate impact (Indian monsoon), resource potential, and strategic importance as a global common.

  • Mention India’s Arctic Policy to show official and sustainable engagement.

Body:

  • Explain significance in clear subheads:

  • Climate change & monsoon linkages

  • Energy security (oil, gas, Russia cooperation)

  • Strategic trade routes (NSR, INSTC)

  • Critical minerals for Make in India

  • Scientific research & polar–Himalayan linkages

  • Geopolitical influence and maritime security

  • Support each point with 1 relevant example or data (e.g., NSR traffic, Himadri, Sakhalin projects).

  • Briefly outline India’s approach: early engagement, scientific presence, Arctic Council observer status, Arctic Policy 2022.

Conclusion:

  • Reiterate the Arctic’s strategic, economic, and environmental relevance for India.

  • Emphasise the need for a balanced strategy- sustainability, scientific leadership, multilateral diplomacy, and rules-based Arctic governance.

Introduction:

  • India’s interest in the Arctic stems from its strategic importance as a Global Commons, its rich resource potential, and its growing influence on global climate systems, particularly the Indian Monsoon. The 2021 Arctic Policy reflects India’s intent to engage sustainably with the region amid emerging economic, strategic, and scientific opportunities arising from melting ice and new maritime routes.

Body: Significance of the Arctic Region for India:

  • Climate Change & Indian Monsoon:

  • Arctic warming (≈ 4× global average) alters global atmospheric circulation.

  • Directly affects Indian monsoon variability, agriculture, and water security.

  • Example: Reduced Arctic sea ice causes less rainfall in western/peninsular India and excess rain in central/northern India.

  • Energy Security:

  • Arctic holds 13% of undiscovered oil and 30% of natural gas reserves.

  • Supports India’s need to diversify energy sources amid global price volatility.

  • Example: Indian investments in Sakhalin-I and Vankorneft; Russia becoming India’s top crude oil supplier.

  • Strategic Maritime Routes:

  • Melting ice opens the Northern Sea Route (NSR)- shorter Europe–Asia route.

  • Reduces shipping time, cost, and dependence on Suez Canal.

  • Example: NSR cargo traffic reached 37.9 million tonnes (2024); INSTC enhances India–Europe trade via Russia.

  • Access to Critical Minerals:

  • Arctic has rare earth elements essential for electronics, defence, clean energy.

  • Crucial for Make in India and National Critical Mineral Mission.

  • Example: Rare earth deposits in Greenland support India’s tech and defence sectors.

  • Scientific Research & Climate Knowledge:

  • Arctic studies help understand links between polar regions and Himalayas (“Third Pole”).

  • Improves India’s climate prediction and disaster preparedness.

  • Example: Himadri Research Station (Svalbard); India–Norway climate research cooperation.

  • Geopolitical Influence:

  • India’s involvement in Arctic governance could strengthen its global position and foster partnerships with key nations like Russia and the U.S.

  • Example: By engaging in Arctic policy, India enhances its diplomatic and strategic ties with major global players and can match upto China’s Growing Presence and Arctic Ambitions.

  • Maritime Security:

  • India’s access to the Arctic region can improve its maritime security and help protect vital trade routes.

India’s Approach Towards the Arctic:

  • Early Engagement:

  • India signed the Svalbard Treaty (1920).

  • Example: Long-standing legal access for research activities.

  • Scientific Presence:

  • First Arctic expedition in 2007; 13 expeditions so far.

  • Example: Himadri Station (2008), IndArc Observatory (2014), atmospheric lab at Gruvebadet (2016).

  • Multilateral Participation:

  • Observer in Arctic Council (since 2013).

  • Example: Active role in working groups, Arctic Science Ministerial.

  • Arctic Policy, 2022:

  • Focus on science, climate, environment, economic cooperation, and governance.

  • Example: Studying Arctic–Himalayan linkages and impacts on India’s economy and monsoon.

Conclusion:

  • The Arctic holds immense strategic, environmental, and economic significance for India—from shaping Indian monsoon patterns to unlocking energy resources and strategic trade routes. As global interest intensifies, India must balance its geopolitical and economic aspirations with sustainability by strengthening polar research, promoting green technology deployment, and deepening multilateral environmental diplomacy. Enhancing institutional capacities and advocating a rules-based Arctic governance framework will be vital for safeguarding India’s long-term interests.