Challenges and Opportunities for India in the Arctic Ocean Region

The Arctic region is becoming significantly more accessible due to the changing climate, increased availability of resources and the geopolitical and geo-economic architecture. It has emerged as a crucial participant in global dynamics, gradually gaining geostrategic relevance in global politics, research and economics. The geophysical changes in the Arctic region are also a cause for concern for India. India’s interest in the region to date has been limited to scientific research. However, the changing geostrategic environment necessitates India to comprehensively participate in the events occurring in the Arctic region. Therefore, this review attempts to study the challenges for India and the opportunities offered by the changing geopolitical scenario. It further highlights India’s need to harness its traditional relationships with the Arctic nation’s cooperative image and democratic structure to attain a pole position in the growing geostrategic Arctic region.