Watch | Why Trump wants Greenland: Security, sovereignty and the Arctic power play

The renewed interest by former U.S. President Donald Trump in acquiring Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, highlights the escalating geopolitical significance of the Arctic region. This controversial push, first floated in 2019 and revived with the appointment of a special envoy, underscores the strategic calculus of major global powers regarding national security, resource acquisition, and maritime control.

**Background Context:** Greenland, the world's largest island, is geographically part of North America but politically associated with Europe. It holds immense strategic value due to its location, particularly in the context of the Arctic Ocean. During the Cold War, Greenland's Thule Air Base was crucial for U.S. ballistic missile defense, demonstrating its historical military importance. The idea of the U.S. acquiring Greenland isn't entirely new; in 1946, President Harry Truman offered Denmark $100 million for the island, an offer that was similarly rejected. Greenland's vast ice sheet, melting at an accelerating rate due to climate change, is revealing access to potentially rich deposits of rare earth minerals, oil, and gas, further fueling international interest.

**What Happened:** Donald Trump's administration openly expressed a desire to purchase Greenland, citing its critical importance for America's national security and its role in the Arctic power play. This move was met with swift and firm rejection from both the Danish government and the Greenlandic authorities, who unequivocally stated that Greenland is not for sale. Despite this, the U.S. appointed a special envoy for the Arctic, further signaling its intent to enhance its presence and influence in the region. This initiative reflects a broader U.S. strategy to counter the growing influence of Russia and China in the Arctic, which both nations view as crucial for their economic and strategic interests.

**Key Stakeholders Involved:**

* **United States:** Motivated by national security concerns, particularly regarding missile defense and surveillance capabilities. The U.S. also seeks to secure access to critical minerals essential for modern technologies and to establish dominance in potential new shipping routes opening up due to melting ice. Countering Russian and Chinese expansion in the Arctic is a key driver.

* **Denmark:** As the sovereign power, Denmark staunchly defends its territorial integrity and that of Greenland. While Greenland enjoys significant autonomy, Denmark remains responsible for foreign affairs, defense, and monetary policy. The Danish government views the U.S. proposal as an affront to its sovereignty and a disregard for international norms.

* **Greenland (Kalaallit Nunaat):** The autonomous government and its people are key stakeholders. While some in Greenland might see potential economic benefits from increased U.S. investment, there is strong popular sentiment against any sale, emphasizing self-determination and cultural identity. Greenland faces economic challenges and relies on Danish subsidies, but it also eyes greater self-sufficiency through resource exploitation and tourism.

* **Russia and China:** These nations are increasingly active in the Arctic. Russia has a significant military presence and is developing the Northern Sea Route for shipping. China, though not an Arctic nation, has declared itself a 'near-Arctic state' and is investing heavily in Arctic research and infrastructure, particularly through its 'Polar Silk Road' initiative. Their activities contribute to the 'Arctic power play' that the U.S. is seeking to counter.

**Why This Matters for India:** For India, a rising global power with observer status in the Arctic Council since 2013, developments in the Arctic are highly significant. India launched its comprehensive 'Arctic Policy' in March 2022, outlining its interests in scientific research, climate and environmental protection, economic and human development, and international cooperation. Greenland's melting ice sheet directly impacts global sea levels, posing a direct threat to India's vast coastline and densely populated coastal cities. Furthermore, the opening of new Arctic shipping routes, such as the Northern Sea Route, could significantly alter global trade patterns, potentially offering shorter routes for Indian goods but also disrupting existing ones. India's energy security and access to critical minerals (like rare earths, which Greenland potentially holds in abundance) are also directly linked to Arctic developments. India operates the 'Himadri' research station in Svalbard, demonstrating its commitment to Arctic scientific exploration and understanding the region's climate impacts.

**Historical Context:** The U.S. has a history of strategic land acquisitions, from the Louisiana Purchase (1803) to Alaska from Russia (1867), primarily driven by westward expansion and strategic positioning. While Greenland is distinct due to its self-governing status and strong national identity, the U.S. interest aligns with a long-standing pattern of securing strategic assets. The Cold War era cemented the Arctic's strategic importance, and the current geopolitical climate, characterized by renewed great power competition, echoes those historical dynamics.

**Future Implications:** The future of the Arctic is likely to involve increased militarization, intensified competition for resources, and heightened focus on climate change adaptation and mitigation. The U.S. will likely continue to strengthen its presence through diplomatic means, military exercises, and investments, even if outright acquisition of Greenland is off the table. This will lead to a more complex geopolitical landscape in the region, demanding careful navigation by non-Arctic states like India. The legal framework governing the Arctic, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), will continue to be crucial in resolving disputes over maritime boundaries and resource exploitation. India, guided by principles of international law and peaceful resolution of disputes, will need to carefully calibrate its engagement to protect its scientific, economic, and strategic interests while upholding environmental sustainability.

**Related Constitutional Articles, Acts, or Policies:** While no specific Indian constitutional article directly addresses the acquisition of Greenland by the U.S., India's foreign policy is guided by Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) under Part IV of the Constitution, particularly Article 51, which promotes international peace and security, maintenance of just and honorable relations between nations, respect for international law and treaty obligations, and settlement of international disputes by arbitration. India's 'Arctic Policy' (2022) is the most relevant policy document, articulating India's strategic, scientific, environmental, and economic interests in the region. Globally, the UNCLOS (1982) is crucial for defining rights and responsibilities of nations regarding their use of the world's oceans, including the Arctic, and is adhered to by India.