NORTHERN SEA ROUTE
1. Context
Murmansk, popularly called the capital of the Arctic region and the beginning point of the Northern Sea Route (NSR), is witnessing the rising trend of Indian involvement in cargo traffic. In the first seven months of 2023, India got the lion’s share with 35% of eight million tonnes of cargo handled by the Murmansk port, which is about 2,000 km northwest of Moscow. India has been showing greater interest regarding the NSR for a variety of reasons.
2. About Arctic region
The Arctic region is a vast and unique geographical area located in the northernmost part of the Earth. Centered around the North Pole and situated above the Arctic Circle, this remote and largely frozen expanse encompasses both land and sea, shaping a distinct environment that holds global significance. Here are key aspects of the Arctic region:
Image Source: The Hindu
Geography and Climate:
- The Arctic spans about 14.05 million square kilometers (5.42 million square miles) of land, including the Arctic Ocean and parts of eight countries: Canada, Russia, the United States, Norway, Denmark (Greenland), Iceland, Sweden, and Finland.
- The region experiences extreme cold temperatures, with average winter temperatures often dropping below freezing.
- Sea ice covers large portions of the Arctic Ocean, expanding in the winter and contracting in the summer due to seasonal temperature changes.
Environmental Importance:
- The Arctic plays a vital role in regulating the planet's climate. The region reflects sunlight due to its ice cover, helping to regulate global temperatures.
- The melting of Arctic ice contributes to rising sea levels, impacting coastlines and low-lying areas around the world.
- The Arctic ecosystem supports a variety of unique species, including polar bears, seals, Arctic foxes, and numerous marine creatures adapted to the cold.
Changing Landscape:
- Climate change has led to accelerated melting of Arctic ice, causing concerns about the impact on the region's environment, indigenous communities, and global climate patterns.
- The reduced ice cover has opened up new opportunities for shipping, resource extraction, and tourism, leading to increased human activity in the region.
Resource Potential:
- The Arctic region holds significant reserves of oil, natural gas, minerals, and other resources. As ice recedes, these resources become more accessible, prompting interest from various countries.
- Access to these resources has sparked debates about environmental conservation, sustainable development, and responsible resource management.
Geopolitical Dynamics:
- The Arctic's changing landscape and resource potential have drawn the attention of Arctic nations and other global powers, leading to discussions about territorial claims, resource exploitation, and security concerns.
- The Arctic Council, an intergovernmental forum, serves as a platform for member states and observer countries to discuss issues related to the Arctic's environment and sustainable development.
3. Why Arctic region is important to India?
The Arctic region is significant to India for several reasons:
- Climate Impact: The Arctic's susceptibility to climate change has global consequences. Melting ice caps and rising sea levels can affect India's coastline, posing risks to its economic and water security.
- Resource Potential: The Arctic holds substantial untapped reserves of hydrocarbons, minerals (like coal, zinc, and silver), and other resources. Access to these resources could enhance India's energy security and economic development.
- Global Trade Routes: Melting ice in the Arctic has opened up new shipping routes, such as the Northern Sea Route (NSR), which connects Europe and Asia. India's trade heavily relies on maritime routes, and the NSR could offer shorter and more efficient options.
- Research and Scientific Exploration: India conducts scientific studies in the Arctic, contributing to understanding climate change, atmospheric conditions, marine life, and more. This research is vital for global climate and environmental policies.
- Diplomatic Influence: Gaining observer status in the Arctic Council enhances India's diplomatic engagement and allows it to participate in discussions on Arctic policies, resource management, and environmental protection.
- Geopolitical Considerations: As Arctic ice melts, it's opening up new opportunities for various nations, including India, to engage in economic activities. The region's strategic significance and potential partnerships with Arctic countries hold geopolitical implications.
4. Svalbard Treaty
- The Svalbard Treaty, also known as the Spitsbergen Treaty, is an international agreement that grants certain rights and privileges to various countries for activities on the Svalbard archipelago, located in the Arctic Ocean.
- The treaty was signed on February 9, 1920, in Paris and came into effect in 1925. The Svalbard archipelago is situated north of mainland Europe, roughly midway between Norway and the North Pole.
- India’s engagement with the Arctic can be traced to the signing of the Svalbard Treaty in February 1920 in Paris and India is undertaking several scientific studies and research in the Arctic region.
- This encompasses atmospheric, biological, marine, hydrological, and glaciological studies. Apart from setting up a research station, Himadri, at Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard, in 2008, the country launched its inaugural multi-sensor moored observatory and northernmost atmospheric laboratory in 2014 and 2016 respectively.
- Till last year, thirteen expeditions to the Arctic were successfully conducted. In May 2013, India became an observer state of the Arctic Council along with five others including China.
5. Northern Sea Route (NSR)
- The Northern Sea Route (NSR) is a maritime shipping route that passes through the Arctic Ocean, along the northern coast of Russia.
- It connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, making it a potential shortcut for ships traveling between Europe and Asia. The route is also sometimes referred to as the Northeast Passage.
- The NSR stretches across the northern coast of Russia, passing through the Arctic Ocean and its surrounding seas.
- It begins in the Barents Sea, near the border between the Barents and Kara seas, and extends to the Bering Strait, near the Pacific Ocean.
6. Driving factors for India to participate in the NSR development
Cargo Growth: The NSR has seen a significant rise in cargo traffic, with a growth rate of around 73% during 2018-2022. India's cargo volume reached 34.117 million tonnes in the past year.
Energy Imports: India's increasing import of crude oil and coal from Russia prompts interest in the NSR. The route offers a reliable and safe transport option for energy resources.
Geographical Advantage: India's strategic location makes the NSR an attractive option for its trade, which heavily relies on sea transportation.
Chennai-Vladivostok Maritime Corridor (CVMC):
- The CVMC project, resulting from a memorandum of intent between India and Russia, is being explored.
- It envisions a container transit route through the NSR, connecting Chennai and Vladivostok.
- The CVMC significantly reduces transport time compared to existing routes, benefitting trade efficiency.
Cargo Potential: Coking coal, crude oil, LNG, and fertilizers are among the cargoes that can be imported from Russia to India through the CVMC.
Geopolitical Considerations: The possibility of China and Russia gaining collective influence over the NSR is a topic of discussion.
7. Way Forward
NSR Development Plan:
- The Russian government's plan until 2035 aims for cargo traffic targets of 80 million tonnes (2024) and 150 million tonnes (2030).
- Approved amidst Western economic sanctions against Russia.
Indian-Russian Collaboration:
- Russian delegation engaged Indian businesses in New Delhi and Mumbai in March for NSR development.
- Assured provision of key components for year-round NSR operation.
- Rosatom seeks Indian company participation in NSR projects.
CVMC Workshop:
- A workshop involving Indian and Russian stakeholders for the Chennai-Vladivostok Maritime Corridor (CVMC) project.
- Expected in the second half of October, as confirmed by a senior official.
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For Prelims: Arctic Region, Northern Sea Route (NSR), Svalbard Treaty, Atlantic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, Chennai-Vladivostok Maritime Corridor (CVMC), and NSR Development Plan.
For Mains: 1. Discuss the strategic significance of the Arctic region in the context of evolving geopolitical and environmental dynamics. Examine the implications of melting ice, the Northern Sea Route, and resource exploration for international relations and the global economy. (250 words).
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Source: The Hindu
