Arctic Council:
The Arctic region has become a global flashpoint due to rising geopolitical tensions, climate change, and resource competition.
- The Arctic is governed by the Arctic Council, an intergovernmental body formed in 1996 through the Ottawa Declaration.
Member States (8): - Canada, Denmark (Greenland), Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and the United States.
- These countries control land territories and have rights over resources within their Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs).
- Permanent participants: Six Indigenous groups representing Arctic inhabitants.
- Observers (Including India):
- Thirteen countries (e.g., India, China, Japan, UK, France).
- Thirteen intergovernmental organisations.
- Twelve non-governmental organisations.
- All decisions require the consensus of the eight Arctic States and consultation with permanent participants.
- The Northeast Passage (also called the Northern Sea Route) runs along Russia’s Arctic coastline, connecting Europe and Asia.
