India's Arctic Ambitions, Sustainable Polar Research and Geopolitics of Arctic Shipping

Welcome to the first edition of Arctic Highlights in August! In Finland, the summer holidays are usually in July and the school starts next week.

India's Arctic Ambitions

Concrete economic motivations drive India's strategic interest in the Northern Sea Route (NSR). The country's burgeoning trade with Asia-Pacific nations and the vulnerabilities of traditional shipping routes make the NSR a compelling alternative. For instance, the Suez Canal blockage in 2021, which cost global trade an estimated $10 billion per day, highlighted the fragility of existing maritime supply chains.

Key figures:

·?????? Suez Canal blockage cost: $10 billion per day

·?????? India-Russia trade in 2023: $65 billion

·?????? India's oil import dependency: 87%

·?????? India's gas import dependency: over 45%

While the potential benefits are significant, challenges persist. India's trade with Russia, a key NSR stakeholder, reached a record $65 billion in 2023, but trade imbalances remain. Moreover, India's investment in the Arctic, though growing, lags behind nations like China and South Korea. The country's Arctic policy, unveiled in 2022, is still in its nascent stages, lacking concrete implementation plans and adequate funding.

The geopolitical landscape further complicates India's Arctic aspirations. Balancing relations with Russia and the United States, while also navigating European concerns over the NSR, requires deft diplomatic maneuvering. The imposition of Western sanctions on Russia following the 2022 conflict has introduced additional complexities, affecting trade flows and investment decisions.

Despite these challenges, India's engagement in the Arctic is strategic. By diversifying trade routes, reducing energy import vulnerabilities, and participating in Arctic governance, India seeks to enhance its global stature. However, realizing these ambitions will require substantial investments, technological advancements, and effective diplomatic engagement.

(based on source)

Explorer Konyukhov Breaks Arctic Drift Record

Explorer Fyodor Konyukhov successfully completed a 21-day solo drift across the Arctic ice cap. Commencing on July 9, 2024, Konyukhov endured extreme conditions while conducting scientific research. His journey concluded on July 30th with retrieval by the nuclear icebreaker "50 Let Pobedy." This expedition established a new world record for the longest solo drift in the Arctic, covering approximately 239 kilometers. Konyukhov's scientific data collection, including seismic measurements, contributes to ongoing research of the Arctic region.

(Source here)

Geopolitics of Arctic Shipping

In our latest research published in IEEE, co-authored with Michele Fiorini , we focused on Geopolitics of Arctic Shipping and the Northern Sea Route,

Our research provides an in-depth analysis of the geopolitics of maritime shipping, with a specific focus on the Arctic and the Northern Sea Route (NSR). It offers valuable insights into the interconnected elements of maritime shipping geopolitics and how they shape regional and global dynamics.

Our findings indicate that the Northern Sea Route (NSR) is perceived as a potential global shipping hub due to its geographic advantages. However, stakeholders express concerns about Russia's dominant position, afforded by its icebreaker capabilities and geopolitical location, which could influence trade dynamics and pricing. Furthermore, China's growing interest in the NSR is seen as a potential catalyst for economic growth but also raises concerns about geopolitical competition with Russia for control over the region.

If you are interested to learn more about our research, please, contact me or Michele Fiorini.

Sustainable Polar Research

Our review article, "Polar Fieldwork in the 21st Century: Early Career Researchers’ Considerations Regarding Safety and Sustainability," is now published in PLOS Climate . The open-access article comprehensively examines challenges early career researchers encounter when conducting fieldwork in cold, remote regions.

We also propose practical solutions to address these issues. We cover logistical, infrastructural, financial, cultural, and historical complexities, ensuring that research can be conducted safely and sustainably, benefiting both the environment and the communities involved.

Enormous appreciation goes to my co-authors, Adina Moraru , Laura Helene Rasmussen (DDSA - Danish Data Science Academy), Filippo Calì Quaglia, ?Howard Huynh, and Adrián López-Quirós for their collaboration and dedication to this important work.

Looking forward to re-connecting with you!

Yours,

Alexandra Middleton