Relevance for UPSC: GS II (International Relations), GS III (Security, Resources, Climate Change & Geography); Source: The Hindu ; International media reports

Context

Renewed global attention on Greenland—following remarks by former United States President Donald Trump on acquiring the territory—has highlighted the strategic transformation of the Arctic region. Denmark has firmly rejected any such proposal, reiterating that Greenland’s status is determined by its people, bringing the principles of sovereignty, self-determination, and international law to the fore.

Geographical and Strategic Importance

• Largest island in the world, Greenland lies between North America and Europe, overlooking the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans.
• Its location makes it critical for missile early-warning systems, space surveillance, and trans-Arctic air and sea routes.
• The United States operates the Pituffik Space Base, a key element of its Arctic and space defence architecture.

Ecology, Climate Change, and Resources

• Greenland is covered by a massive ice sheet, whose melting significantly contributes to global sea-level rise.
• Climate change is opening new Arctic shipping routes, shortening travel between Asia and Europe.
• The island is rich in critical minerals such as rare earth elements, uranium, and iron ore—essential for clean energy technologies, electronics, and defence manufacturing.

Geopolitical Contest in the Arctic

• Russia has expanded Arctic military bases and icebreaker capacity.
• China, calling itself a “near-Arctic state”, is investing in research stations and mineral projects.
• The Arctic is thus emerging as a zone of resource geopolitics and great power rivalry, driven by climate change.

Political and Legal Status

Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, with its own parliament and control over domestic affairs. Defence and foreign policy remain with Denmark. Under the United Nations Charter, territorial transfer without popular consent violates the principle of self-determination.

Why It Matters for India

• India is an observer in the Arctic Council.
• Arctic warming influences global climate systems, with indirect effects on the Indian monsoon and sea-level rise.
• India’s Arctic Policy emphasises scientific research, climate studies, and sustainable development.

Q. Consider the following statements regarding Greenland:

1. Greenland’s ice sheet plays a significant role in global sea-level rise and Arctic climate regulation.
2. Melting of Greenland’s ice is expected to reduce, rather than enhance, the strategic importance of Arctic sea routes.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (a)