New Delhi

Former Indian diplomat Ashok Sajjanhar has warned that NATO could “completely disintegrate” if the United States moves to occupy Greenland, saying such an action would undermine the alliance’s foundational principles of sovereignty, collective security and the rules-based international order.

Speaking to ANI, Sajjanhar said recent statements by senior US officials questioning Denmark’s sovereignty over Greenland were alarming and exposed deep contradictions within the Western alliance.

His remarks come after US President Donald Trump said the United States needs Greenland for national security reasons, citing the growing presence of Russia and China in the Arctic region. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said Greenland was “so strategic right now” and suggested Denmark was incapable of securing it adequately.

Referring to comments by US Deputy White House Chief Stephen Miller, Sajjanhar said American officials were openly challenging Denmark’s territorial claim over Greenland by arguing that the US, as a NATO power responsible for Arctic security, had a greater right over the territory.

“They are not willing to talk to Denmark. They just want to occupy it,” Sajjanhar said.

He noted that Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen had repeatedly offered dialogue on cooperation, including commercial activities and mineral exploration, but had firmly ruled out any discussion on sovereignty.

“That shows the intent is not negotiation but coercion,” Sajjanhar said.

The former diplomat also criticised the cautious response from European countries, noting that while several NATO allies have expressed support for Denmark, their opposition to Washington has remained restrained.

“If the US were to move into Greenland, the status of NATO itself would be called into question. The alliance would completely disintegrate,” he warned, linking Europe’s hesitation to its dependence on American support, particularly in the context of the Ukraine conflict.

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Sajjanhar added that concerns over US actions were also growing in other parts of the Western Hemisphere, as Trump has repeatedly mentioned countries including Greenland, Venezuela, Cuba, Colombia and Mexico in recent statements.