Greenland is just an excuse, Arctic is the target… why there can be a ‘war’ for this among the world’s superpowers, India is also in this race

Know why there could be a war over the Arctic.-symbolic -Photo

Why is the President of the world’s most powerful country eyeing Greenland with a population of 60 thousand? What is so special about Greenland? Is the matter limited to Greenland only or is the story something else? Is only America involved in this war or are other countries of the world also involved in this story?

Canada, Panama, Greenland and Mexico…these are some of the names that Donald Trump has expressed his desire to include in America after winning the presidential election. His statements have given rise to many discussions around the world. But the most noise is about Greenland. People want to know why the President of the world’s most powerful country has his eyes on Greenland with a population of 60 thousand? What is so special in Greenland? Is the matter limited to Greenland only or is the story something else. Is only America involved in this war or are other countries of the world also involved in this story. Today in this article we will give you answers to these questions.

In simple terms, Greenland is an island located between the Arctic and North Atlantic oceans. Currently, it is seen as a part of Denmark. About 80 percent of its area is covered with ice. The population is also only 60 thousand which struggles even for basic needs. In such a situation, the question arises that why is America so restless about Greenland. Actually, some experts believe that the matter is not just about Greenland, but on the pretext of Greenland, America wants to increase its interference in the entire Arctic region. But the special thing is that not only America but also Russia, many European countries, Canada, India and China have their eyes on this race too .

Know about the Arctic region
Broadly speaking, the Arctic region includes parts of eight countries – Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia and America. Most of the Arctic is covered with ice. But as the ice in this region is melting due to climate change, the heat regarding this region is increasing in world politics.

Why is the Arctic region special

Talking about the Arctic region, people are still unaware of most of its parts. It is said that there are still many places in this area where such natural resources are present about which no one has any information. This area is considered to be a rich reserve of oil, gas and marine life. Many experts are also considering this area as a potential center of conflict between superpowers.

In fact, on the one hand, America has been interfering in this area for a long time. On the other hand, Russia has registered its presence on most of its parts. Many small European countries including Norway are also taking interest in it. Canada is also involved in this race. But China and India have joined it as a new contender, which has increased the discussion of this area. The interest of China and India in this region is also important and a matter of discussion because the border distance of both is thousands of kilometers from this area.

Covering one-sixth of the Earth’s surface, the Arctic region surrounds the North Pole and is surrounded by vast ice caps. It is estimated that the region holds about 22% of the world’s unexplored oil and natural gas reserves.

The equation can change by 2040

Due to various incidents of climate change, the temperature has increased significantly. The Arctic has also become warmer. It is believed that the Arctic can be free of ice in the summer season by 2040. While the consequences of melting ice can be deep, many countries including America and Russia are also considering the melting of ice as good.

Russia and America have been interfering for a long time

Russia and America have long maintained military bases and surveillance systems in the Arctic. Russia has operated nuclear-powered icebreakers in this region. America has also registered its military presence in this area. Research is going on about many areas.

What is Russia’s strategy?

Russia is the largest stakeholder in the Arctic, the region contributes about 10% of Russia’s GDP and 20% of total exports. The Arctic has been given new importance in the Kremlin’s foreign policy concept for 2023, which emphasizes maintaining peace and stability, increasing environmental sustainability and reducing national threats.

China is a new player

China, which is considered a “near-Arctic state”, is trying to become a stakeholder in the Arctic. In January 2018, China released a policy paper in which it described itself as a country close to the Arctic. However, the distance between China and the Arctic is more than a thousand km. China has long been emphasizing the need to develop infrastructure in this area for research, military and other purposes.

Why is India interested

As an emerging major power, India wants to play an important role in the Arctic. It has been running the “Himadri” permanent Arctic research station in Svalbard, Norway since July 2008. India is also doing a lot of research here to understand this area. India’s interest in this area has been seen in the last few years. One reason for this is its growing population and the vast resources in the Arctic.

But its other side is related to China. Actually, China has taken many initiatives regarding the Arctic in the recent past. Hence, India is also increasing its interference in the Arctic due to this. The objectives also include maritime connectivity and strengthening its presence.

Both India and China have increased cooperation with Russia to increase their dominance in this region. India and Russia together have made significant progress in promoting the 7,200 km long International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), which will save cost and time in freight transportation between India, Iran, Azerbaijan, Russia, Central Asia and Europe.

Will there be a ‘cold war’ between the superpowers?

These changes taking place in the Arctic are being considered as the ‘next big game’. The growing allied position of Russia and China in the Arctic can pose a challenge for India, as the competition for Arctic resources has intensified. At the same time, looking at the way America, Canada and small European countries have increased their involvement in this region, it can be said that tension can be seen between the superpowers over this area.

Now know what Greenland is

This island located between the Arctic and North Atlantic oceans was discovered in the 10th century, after which an attempt was made to establish a European colony here, but the conditions there were so difficult that the occupation was abandoned. Later, around the 14th century, a union of Denmark and Norway was formed here, which started ruling it jointly.

Population is 60 thousand

The population of the 12th largest country in the world in terms of expansion is about 60 thousand. The local population is called Inuit, who speak the Danish language, but their culture is different from Denmark. This country full of ice and rocks has no special source of income, except tourists.

Importance increased after the Cold War

Its strategic importance suddenly emerged during the Cold War. America then built its air base here so that it could easily keep an eye on the neighbors. Let us tell you that from where Greenland is located, the US can not only keep an eye on any missile activity coming from Russia, China and even North Korea, but can also stop it. Similarly, it can also send missiles from here to Asia or Europe.

The second reason is that Greenland is a mineral-rich country. Due to global warming, as the Arctic ice is melting, the mining of minerals and energy resources here is also increasing. All the minerals that are used in weapons along with mobile phones and electric vehicles are found here. Currently, China is a big supplier of these minerals. America wants to be ahead in this queue.