New Delhi, Sept. 5 -- The Arctic is emerging as a new area of competition between the world's major powers. US President Donald Trump's repeated calls for Greenland to become part of the United States have brought the region into the spotlight. But the struggle for influence in the Arctic is much older, with Russia holding a strong position there for decades.

The Arctic is becoming increasingly important because of its strategic location, military value, shipping routes and natural resources. Climate change is also making parts of the region more accessible, increasing interest from countries far beyond the Arctic itself.

Russia has the largest Arctic presence of any country. It controls about half of the land and half of the maritime e...