As the US eyes Greenland, Europe must turn a global problem into an opportunity

The Arctic region, once a remote and often overlooked part of the world, has rapidly transformed into a focal point of global geopolitical competition, driven primarily by climate change and the strategic interests of major world powers. The article's premise that Europe must leverage its diplomatic strengths to become a "credible broker" in a new global framework, particularly concerning the United States' interest in Greenland, encapsulates this evolving dynamic.

**Background Context and What Happened:**

Historically, the Arctic was largely defined by its harsh climate, making large-scale human activity and resource exploitation challenging. However, accelerating climate change has led to significant ice melt, opening up potential new shipping routes (like the Northern Sea Route) and making vast reserves of natural resources (oil, gas, rare earth elements) more accessible. This shift has ignited a scramble for influence and resources. Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, sits at a crucial strategic junction in the Arctic, making it a highly coveted landmass. Its location offers unparalleled access to Arctic sea lanes and serves as a natural platform for military installations, particularly for monitoring transatlantic and Arctic activities. The United States' strategic interest in Greenland gained significant public attention in August 2019 when former President Donald Trump openly expressed a desire to purchase the island, an offer swiftly rejected by Denmark as "absurd." While the outright purchase was dismissed, it underscored the growing American strategic focus on the region, aimed at countering expanding Russian and Chinese influence.

**Key Stakeholders Involved:**

1. **Greenland and Denmark:** Greenland, with its self-governing status, seeks to balance economic development (often through resource exploitation) with environmental protection and cultural preservation. Denmark, as the sovereign power, supports Greenland's autonomy but also manages foreign policy and defense, navigating complex relations with its Arctic neighbours and NATO allies. Their primary interest is maintaining sovereignty and ensuring sustainable development.

2. **United States:** Washington views the Arctic as crucial for national security, primarily to defend its northern borders, project power, and monitor activities of rivals. Its interest in Greenland is driven by strategic location, potential for military bases (like Thule Air Base, a key part of the US Ballistic Missile Early Warning System), and access to critical resources, as well as a desire to counter Russian and Chinese assertiveness.

3. **Russia:** Russia has significantly ramped up its military presence in the Arctic, reactivating Cold War-era bases and investing in icebreakers to secure its Northern Sea Route, which it considers a national shipping lane. Its economic and military interests are deeply intertwined with the Arctic.

4. **China:** Though not an Arctic nation, China declared itself a "near-Arctic state" and unveiled its "Polar Silk Road" initiative in 2018. Beijing seeks economic opportunities through resource extraction and new shipping lanes, as well as scientific research, raising concerns among other Arctic powers about its long-term strategic intentions.

5. **European Union/NATO Members (excluding US):** European nations, particularly Nordic countries, have a direct stake in Arctic stability and environmental protection. They are concerned about militarization and resource exploitation but also see economic potential. The article suggests Europe should leverage its diplomatic strengths and alliances to forge a new global framework, positioning itself as a mediator to prevent conflict and promote cooperative governance.

**Why This Matters for India:**

While geographically distant, the Arctic's developments have significant implications for India. Firstly, **climate change** in the Arctic directly impacts global weather patterns, including the Indian monsoon, and contributes to sea-level rise, threatening India's vast coastline. Secondly, **geopolitical shifts** in the Arctic affect global stability and the existing rules-based international order, which India strongly supports. Increased militarization or conflict in the Arctic could divert global attention and resources, impacting India's own strategic interests. Thirdly, **economic opportunities** are emerging. The opening of new shipping routes, particularly the Northern Sea Route, could potentially reduce transit times between Europe and Asia, offering an alternative to the Suez Canal and Strait of Malacca, which are vital for India's trade. India also has a growing interest in Arctic resources, especially rare earth elements, which are critical for its technology and defense sectors. India launched its comprehensive **Arctic Policy** in March 2022, titled 'India and the Arctic: Building a Partnership for Sustainable Development'. This policy outlines India's scientific, environmental, economic, and security interests in the region, emphasizing cooperation and adherence to international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

**Historical Context and Future Implications:**

The Arctic played a vital role during the Cold War as a frontline for strategic deterrence, exemplified by the US Thule Air Base in Greenland. Post-Cold War, it saw a period of reduced tension, but the current geopolitical landscape resembles a new 'Great Game'. The future implications include potential for increased militarization, heightened resource competition, and challenges to existing international governance structures. The role of international law, particularly UNCLOS, will be crucial in arbitrating disputes over maritime boundaries and resource rights. Europe's proposed role as a "credible broker" could be vital in promoting peaceful cooperation, ensuring environmental sustainability, and preventing the Arctic from becoming a zone of renewed superpower confrontation. India, as an observer state in the Arctic Council and a responsible global actor, will closely monitor these developments and seek to contribute to a stable and sustainable Arctic future, aligning with its constitutional directive under **Article 51** (Promotion of international peace and security) of the Directive Principles of State Policy.

**Related Constitutional Articles, Acts, or Policies:**

While no direct Indian constitutional articles specifically address Greenland or Arctic geopolitics, the broader principles of India's foreign policy are enshrined in **Article 51** of the Constitution, which mandates the state to promote international peace and security, maintain just and honourable relations between nations, foster respect for international law and treaty obligations, and encourage settlement of international disputes by arbitration. India's **Arctic Policy (2022)** is the most direct policy document, outlining its multi-faceted engagement with the region. Furthermore, the **UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)** is a critical international legal framework governing maritime activities, including those in the Arctic, and India is a signatory to it. Environmental concerns also link to India's **Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986**, as Arctic climate change impacts global ecosystems, indirectly affecting India's environmental security.