Oslo summit must mark India’s northward turn, Pg6

Key Highlights:

• Prime Minister Modi will visit Oslo on May 18-19 for the third India-Nordic Summit.
• The summit's focus has shifted from climate cooperation to include strategic depth and economic purpose due to geopolitical changes.
• The Arctic is emerging as a competitive arena for resources, shipping routes, and strategic infrastructure.
• Finland and Sweden joining NATO has reshaped Nordic security, with Russia being the only non-NATO member in the Arctic Council.

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Detailed Insights:

• The Ukraine war has altered Europe's security order, and strains within the trans-Atlantic alliance have created uncertainty.
• Denmark, the current chair of the Arctic Council, faces pressure from the U.S. regarding Greenland and its strategic importance.
• India and the Nordic countries have converging interests in technology, supply chains, maritime security, and green energy.
• India, an Arctic stakeholder, observes that the Arctic is warming three times faster than the global average, impacting India's monsoon and coastlines.
• A maritime link connecting Chennai-Vladivostok to Murmansk and the Nordics would enhance trade and maritime connectivity.
• An India-Arctic Economic Forum could connect Indian industries with opportunities in manpower, shipping, energy and infrastructure.
• Nordic countries lead in offshore wind, hydrogen, electric mobility, and green shipping, aligning with India's clean-energy ambitions.
• Maritime cooperation is crucial for securing sea lanes and resilient ports, given disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Arctic Council: An intergovernmental forum addressing issues faced by the Arctic governments and indigenous people.
• Blue Economy: Sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of ocean ecosystem.
• Geopolitics: The influence of geography on politics and international relations.