The Arctic, once viewed as a frozen frontier on the edges of the world, has evolved into a region of immense strategic, scientific, and economic importance. Melting ice and shifting climates are not only reshaping the geography of the north but are also redefining global power dynamics. Traditionally, the Arctic has been governed primarily by its eight littoral states, Canada, Denmark (via Greenland), Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and the United States. However, as the impacts of climate change become more pronounced and the promise of untapped resources and new maritime routes draws attention, non-Arctic countries have increasingly sought a meaningful role in the region. Nations such as India, Japan, and members of the European Union have emerged as prominent observer states, engaging through a combination of scientific research, economic investments, and diplomatic influence to secure their interests and contribute to the evolving governance of the Arctic.
India’s fascination with the Arctic stretches back nearly a century, though its modern scientific engagement is a relatively recent phenomenon. As early as 1920, India was a signatory to the Svalbard Treaty, signaling an early acknowledgement of Arctic affairs. However, it was not until the 2000s that India began to ramp up its presence in the region. In 2007, India launched its first scientific expedition to the Arctic, seeking to understand better the complex interactions between the Arctic environment and global climate systems. This endeavor culminated in the establishment of the Himadri research station in Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard, in 2008, which serves as India’s permanent outpost for multidisciplinary Arctic research. The station focuses on critical areas including atmospheric sciences, glaciology, and marine biology, contributing valuable data that enriches global understanding of climate change processes. The research conducted there extends beyond pure science; it has direct implications for India’s climatic patterns, especially concerning monsoon variability and extreme weather events.
India’s commitment deepened with the deployment of the IndARC observatory in 2014. Situated underwater in the Arctic fjords near Svalbard, IndARC provides real-time oceanographic data that complements atmospheric observations from Himadri. This underwater observatory is particularly significant because it allows Indian scientists to monitor changes in ocean temperature, salinity, and currents, factors that profoundly influence global climate systems and, by extension, the Indian subcontinent’s environment and agriculture. Recognizing the strategic importance of these research initiatives, India unveiled a comprehensive Arctic Policy in 2022. This policy underscores India’s intention to promote sustainable development in the Arctic while balancing scientific advancement, environmental stewardship, and economic interests. India’s approach is distinctive in its emphasis on international cooperation, advocating for inclusive governance that respects indigenous knowledge and promotes peace in the region.
Parallel to India’s trajectory, the European Union has cultivated a robust presence in Arctic affairs. Although not a nation-state, the EU exercises considerable influence as a supranational organization, shaping policies and coordinating collaborative efforts among its member states. The EU’s engagement has been multifaceted, combining scientific initiatives, economic interests, and a strong normative commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development. One of the EU’s most notable contributions is the Northern Dimension policy, which fosters cooperation between the EU, Arctic states, and Russia to address shared challenges such as environmental degradation, climate change mitigation, and the promotion of sustainable economic activities. This policy framework acts as a bridge, bringing together various actors to harmonize efforts aimed at preserving the fragile Arctic ecosystem.
Moreover, the EU supports a wide array of research projects that investigate the Arctic’s changing climate, biodiversity, and socio-economic development. These projects are frequently funded through Horizon Europe, the EU’s flagship research and innovation program. Through such investments, the EU not only advances scientific understanding but also encourages technological innovation in fields like renewable energy, marine transportation, and resource management. In parallel, the EU has articulated a clear Arctic policy that frames the region as a global standard, underscoring principles of multilateralism, respect for international law, and cooperation with indigenous peoples. This policy strengthens the EU’s role in Arctic governance forums and positions it as a critical player advocating for sustainable and responsible stewardship of the north.
Japan’s interest in the Arctic, though geographically distant, is similarly rooted in a combination of scientific curiosity and strategic calculation. Beginning in 1990 with the establishment of the Arctic Environment Research Center, Japan has progressively expanded its research footprint in the region. The National Institute of Polar Research in Tokyo coordinates a broad spectrum of scientific projects encompassing atmospheric physics, glaciology, meteorology, oceanography, and terrestrial biology. Japanese researchers have participated in numerous international expeditions and have forged partnerships with Arctic nations, particularly Norway and Russia, to understand the rapid environmental transformations better underway.
Japan’s Arctic ambitions also have a pragmatic dimension. The country is heavily dependent on imported energy resources, and as Arctic ice retreats, new maritime routes such as the Northern Sea Route have emerged as potentially shorter and more cost-effective shipping lanes between Asia, Europe, and North America. Japanese energy companies are exploring opportunities for liquefied natural gas (LNG) transportation through these routes, which could reduce shipping times significantly and diversify supply chains. Japan’s Arctic policy explicitly highlights these economic interests, while also committing to the peaceful use of the region and environmental preservation. Japan’s diplomatic efforts in Arctic governance reflect a nuanced balance between asserting national interests and fostering international cooperation, especially given the complex geopolitical landscape involving Russia, China, and Arctic states.
Beyond scientific and economic dimensions, non-Arctic states have recognized that influence in the Arctic requires active participation in governance frameworks. The Arctic Council, established in 1996, remains the primary high-level intergovernmental forum addressing Arctic issues. Although membership is limited to the eight Arctic states, observer status has been granted to a select group of non-Arctic countries, including India, the EU, and Japan. Observer status allows these nations to participate in working groups, contribute to discussions, and engage with the region’s evolving policies without voting rights. For India, gaining observer status in 2013 marked a strategic milestone that reflected both its growing Arctic ambitions and the recognition of its contributions to scientific research. Since then, India has leveraged its position to advocate for inclusive governance models that integrate scientific knowledge, environmental conservation, and respect for indigenous cultures.
The EU’s observer role is more complex given its nature as a political and economic union rather than a sovereign state. Nonetheless, the EU wields considerable influence through its funding capabilities, policy coordination, and normative leadership. Japan, too, uses its observer status to strengthen bilateral ties with Arctic states and promote multilateral collaboration. These non-Arctic observers have proven vital in expanding the scope of Arctic governance beyond traditional geopolitical confines, fostering a more globalized and cooperative approach to the challenges and opportunities presented by the region.
The growing involvement of non-Arctic states also reflects the increasingly globalized nature of the Arctic’s environmental and economic systems. Climate change in the Arctic has far-reaching consequences, affecting weather patterns, sea levels, and ecosystems around the world. Therefore, scientific research undertaken by observer states helps generate crucial knowledge that benefits the international community. Similarly, economic interests such as shipping and resource extraction demand a governance model that incorporates diverse stakeholders to ensure sustainable practices. Non-Arctic states’ participation not only enriches this dialogue but also helps balance power dynamics that might otherwise be dominated by Arctic states alone.
At the same time, the engagement of non-Arctic nations is not without challenges. Geopolitical tensions, especially involving Russia’s assertive policies and China’s growing Arctic ambitions under its "Polar Silk Road" initiative, complicate cooperation. Non-Arctic observer states must navigate these complex relationships carefully, balancing their scientific and economic interests with the need for diplomatic tact. India, for example, maintains a nuanced position, collaborating with Arctic states while promoting peaceful development and environmental responsibility. The EU has occasionally faced friction, particularly concerning sanctions related to Russia, which impact Arctic cooperation. Japan continues to prioritize multilateralism and environmental stewardship amid shifting geopolitical currents.
In conclusion, the Arctic’s transformation from a frozen periphery to a dynamic arena of scientific discovery, economic opportunity, and geopolitical contest has compelled non-Arctic states to deepen their involvement. India, the European Union, and Japan exemplify how observer states have carved out influential roles through sustained scientific research, strategic investments, and active diplomatic engagement. Their contributions broaden the governance landscape of the Arctic, reinforcing the region’s status as a global commons requiring inclusive and cooperative stewardship. As the Arctic continues to evolve, the interplay between Arctic and non-Arctic actors will shape not only the future of the region but also the broader trajectory of international relations, environmental sustainability, and economic development.
Sources:
India’s Arctic research and policy — Svalbard Treaty and Himadri Station IndARC Observatory
EU Arctic engagement — Northern Dimension Policy
Japan’s Arctic Involvement — National Institute of Polar Research Japan's Arctic Policy
Arctic Council observer status and governance — Arctic Council
Global geopolitical context — China’s Polar Silk Road
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