‘Himadri’ and the Global Politics of Melting Ice: India’s Arctic Presence and the March Towards Global Governance

• Published in: The Yearbook of Polar Law Online
• Main Author: Nayak, Anuradha
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: unknown
• Published: Brill 2013
• Subjects: Antarctic; Arctic; Svalbard; The Antarctic; Antarc*; Arctic Council; Sea ice; Yearbook of Polar Law
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/22116427-91000140; https://brill.com/view/journals/yplo/5/1/article-p649_25.xml; https://data.brill.com/files/journals/22116427_005_01_S25_text.pdf

Abstract The Arctic is witnessing major changes due to the melting and thinning of Arctic sea ice. This phenomenon resulted in exposure of hidden natural resources and opening of new navigational routes. The future would witness circumpolar states benefitting from these changes. However, it seems that non-circumpolar states would also be interested in participation and reaping benefits from the development process. Hence, they make their presence felt in the Arctic, through various activities which has geo-political impact. In this light, the article focuses on one of the non – circumpolar countries, India and its perspective stance. The article deliberates on the ramification of melting ice and the present Arctic system through the Arctic Council, the Svalbard treaty and an analysis of the Antarctic treaty system. The article concludes by proposing a perceived Arctic policy for India and a global governance model. The attempt is governance should focus on pan- Arctic issues rather than regional ones. Furthermore, it should encompass interests/rights of vested states, legal entities and other interested parties.