Climate Change and Its Impact on India's Military and Security Landscape

Climate Change and India's Military Security Interests

Climate change poses significant challenges to India’s military and security landscape, particularly beyond its borders. The alterations in climate have direct implications on water resources in shared river basins, such as the Brahmaputra and the Indus. These changes create tensions with neighboring countries, enhancing the security dimension of water-sharing disputes.

Water Resource Conflicts

Shared river basins are critical for multiple countries. For instance, the Brahmaputra is shared with China and Bangladesh, while the Indus is shared with Pakistan. Changes in glacier melt rates and subsequent water flows can lead to increased competition over these vital resources, intensifying existing tensions.

Military Readiness in Cross-Border Regions

Climate change impacts military readiness in several ways:

• Himalayan Glaciers: The melting of glaciers disrupts water flow in transboundary rivers, destabilizing relationships with neighboring states that rely on these sources for their water security.
• Sea Level Rise: Rising sea levels threaten coastal military installations in the Indian Ocean, which can hinder India’s maritime security and disaster response capabilities.
• Climate-linked Migration: Increased migration from climate-vulnerable neighbors, particularly Bangladesh facing severe flooding, stresses India’s border security and social cohesion.

Regional Military Collaborations

In recognition of these challenges, India has strengthened its military collaborations within the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Efforts to improve disaster preparedness and response highlight the necessity for regional cooperation, especially given the security challenges posed by climate-induced disasters such as cyclones and tsunamis.

India’s Military Doctrine and Climate Change

India’s defense and security establishments now acknowledge climate change as a “threat multiplier.” This understanding shapes regional disaster relief cooperation and humanitarian assistance strategies, which are integral to India’s defense diplomacy.

Border Security Challenges

Climate change also impacts India’s border security in various ways:

• Bangladesh: Severe floods and rising sea levels lead to increased migration into India’s northeast, creating challenges for security forces tasked with managing border influxes and potential instability.
• Pakistan: Water scarcity in the Indus basin, exacerbated by altered rainfall and snowmelt patterns, may escalate tensions over river-sharing agreements.
• China: Rapid glacier melt on the Tibetan Plateau, which feeds major rivers, can significantly change water availability and foster competition for these resources.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. How does climate change affect India’s military strategy?
Answer: Climate change influences India's military strategy by increasing the importance of water security and regional cooperation, as environmental changes can lead to resource conflicts and humanitarian crises.

Q2. What are the security implications of melting Himalayan glaciers?
Answer: Melting Himalayan glaciers disrupt water flow in transboundary rivers, potentially destabilizing relationships with neighboring countries that depend on these rivers for their water supply.

Q3. How does sea level rise impact India's coastal military installations?
Answer: Rising sea levels threaten the integrity and operational capacity of coastal military installations, affecting India's maritime security and disaster response capabilities.

Q4. In what ways does climate change influence migration patterns in South Asia?
Answer: Climate change leads to increased migration from vulnerable areas, particularly due to flooding, which can strain border security and social cohesion in India.

Q5. What role does regional collaboration play in addressing climate-related security challenges?
Answer: Regional collaboration is essential for disaster preparedness and response, as climate-induced disasters can create shared security challenges that necessitate collective action among neighboring countries.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What is a significant effect of climate change on India’s border security?
A) Increased agricultural yield
B) Enhanced military technology
C) Increased migration from neighboring countries
D) Decreased international tensions
Correct Answer: C

Question 2: How does melting glaciers affect transboundary water relations?
A) Improves water flow
B) Stabilizes international relations
C) Disrupts water availability
D) Reduces migration pressures
Correct Answer: C

Question 3: What region is crucial for India’s military collaboration to address climate challenges?
A) Arctic Region
B) Indian Ocean Region
C) Mediterranean Sea
D) Atlantic Ocean
Correct Answer: B

Question 4: Which of the following is a climate-related threat multiplier for India?
A) Increase in trade
B) Water scarcity
C) Technological advancements
D) Economic growth
Correct Answer: B

Question 5: What natural disaster is exacerbated by climate change affecting India’s military readiness?
A) Earthquakes
B) Tsunamis
C) Floods
D) Droughts
Correct Answer: C

Question 6: Which country’s flooding issues are impacting India’s border security?
A) Nepal
B) Bhutan
C) Bangladesh
D) Myanmar
Correct Answer: C

Question 7: What is a consequence of rising sea levels for India?
A) Increased freshwater availability
B) Threats to coastal military bases
C) Enhanced fishing grounds
D) Improved tourism
Correct Answer: B