US and Denmark sign defence pact expanding military presence in Greenland

UPSC may ask: "How does the US-Denmark-Greenland defence pact reshape Arctic geopolitics?" (Mains essay). Prelims MCQ could test: "Which countries signed the Arctic security agreement in 2024?" or "What was the previous US position on Greenland before the 2024 pact?" Focus on Arctic strategy, great power competition, and Denmark's NATO role.

The agreement represents US strategic pivoting toward Arctic dominance amid China-Russia expansion in polar regions. Greenland's autonomy versus Danish sovereignty raises questions about indigenous self-determination and colonial-era power dynamics. UPSC examines whether this agreement violates international law or UN principles on territorial integrity.

Arctic security directly impacts India's maritime interests and climate governance as melting ice opens new shipping routes and resource competition. The pact signals NATO's eastward consolidation, influencing India's non-aligned strategic autonomy in a multipolar world.

• Trump's annexation demands formally ended; replaced with long-term military access rights • Denmark maintains sovereignty; US gains Arctic military infrastructure expansion • Strategic counter to Chinese Belt & Road and Russian Arctic presence