Arctic Council

About the Arctic Council

• The Arctic is governed by the Arctic Council, an intergovernmental body formed in 1996 through the Ottawa Declaration.
• Member States (8):
  • Canada, Denmark (Greenland), Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and the United States.
  • These countries control land territories and have rights over resources within their Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs).
• Permanent participants: Six Indigenous groups representing Arctic inhabitants.
• Observers (Including India):
  • Thirteen countries (e.g., India, China, Japan, UK, France).
  • Thirteen intergovernmental organisations.
  • Twelve non-governmental organisations.
• All decisions require the consensus of the eight Arctic States and consultation with permanent participants.

The Northeast Passage

• The Northeast Passage (also called the Northern Sea Route) runs along Russia’s Arctic coastline, connecting Europe and Asia.
• Potential Advantages:
  • Shortens shipping distances between China and Europe by up to 8,000 km.
  • Reduces dependency on the Suez Canal, which faces security risks.
  • Economic boost for Russia, as it controls access to the route.

Why is the Arctic Gaining Strategic Importance?

• Natural resources: The Arctic holds 13% of the world’s undiscovered oil and 30% of untapped natural gas. Rich in rare earth elements, phosphates, and copper.
• New trade routes: The Northeast Passage (Russia) and the Northwest Passage (Canada) are emerging as alternatives to the Suez Canal, reducing travel distances by thousands of kilometers.
• Geopolitical interests: Russia, the US, and China are increasing military activities in the region, leading to rivalry and potential conflicts.
• Climate change impact: Ice melting is opening previously inaccessible areas for exploration and trade.
• Lack of Legal Safeguards: Unlike Antarctica, which is protected by international treaties, the Arctic is primarily governed by UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea). This allows territorial claims and military presence.