WASHINGTON, September 24 (HS/RIA Novosti) - Canada's buildup of military spending in the Arctic could lead to an arms race and turn the region into an arena of rivalry, Russian Ambassador to Ottawa Oleg Stepanov told RIA Novosti.

In recent years, Canada has been increasing its military presence in the Arctic, investing in the modernization of defense infrastructure, surveillance and early warning systems, as well as updating its fleet for operations in northern latitudes.

Such a risk exists if the result is the creation of infrastructure for NATO's power projection in the Far North. It seems more reasonable for Canada not to turn the Arctic into an arena of rivalry, but to direct resources toward peaceful purposes: communications, rescue services, transport and science, Stepanov said, answering a question about whether Canada's spending on militarizing the Arctic could lead to an arms race.

Russia has consistently opposed the militarization of the Arctic and the buildup of NATO military activity in the region. Moscow emphasizes that it is interested in preserving the Arctic as a space of peace, stability and mutually beneficial cooperation, and warns that strengthening the military presence of Western countries increases tension in the region.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar