**India's Growing Interest in the Northern Sea Route, Says Putin**
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Thursday that India is among the nations expressing significant interest in the Northern Sea Route (NSR). This development comes as countries in Asia and beyond seek to enhance trade relations with Russia, particularly in light of ongoing Western sanctions.
During a visit to Russia's Far East and Sakhalin Region, where he oversaw naval drills aboard the missile cruiser Varyag, Putin highlighted the increasing interest from various countries in engaging with Russia on the NSR. "We see growing interest from countries wishing to engage with us on this front," he stated, specifically mentioning India and China as key partners in discussions regarding the Arctic shipping route.
The NSR, which stretches approximately 5,600 kilometers along Russia's northern coastline, is viewed as a critical shipping lane that could significantly reduce travel time and distance for maritime trade between East Asia and Europe. Putin noted that cooperation on the NSR would be conducted in accordance with international maritime law, emphasizing the importance of maintaining stability in the Arctic region amid rising tensions.
India's interest in the NSR aligns with its participation in the Arctic – Regions Forum, scheduled for August 13-14 in Arkhangelsk, northern Russia. This forum serves as a platform for nations to discuss cooperation and development in the Arctic region.
The operationalization of the Chennai-Vladivostok corridor, also known as the Eastern Maritime Corridor, has further accelerated India and Russia's collaboration on the NSR. This corridor, which became operational in 2024, aims to bolster bilateral trade, with both nations targeting a trade volume of $100 billion.
In recent developments, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin announced that Rosatom, the state-owned corporation responsible for managing Russia's nuclear-powered icebreaker fleet, has been tasked with signing a memorandum with India regarding maritime cargo transportation along the Arctic route. This fleet is essential for ensuring the navigability of the NSR, particularly during harsh winter conditions.
The advantages of the NSR are substantial for India, offering alternative shipping routes that can save up to 40% in distance and approximately two weeks in travel time compared to traditional routes through the Suez Canal. The latter has faced disruptions due to conflicts in the Middle East, making the Arctic route an increasingly attractive option for Indian exporters.
In December, during Putin's visit to New Delhi, India and Russia formalized the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Support (RELOS) pact. This agreement grants India access to Russian ports along the NSR, from Vladivostok to Murmansk, facilitating smoother trade operations between the two nations.
Furthermore, Aleksey Chekunkov, Russia's minister for the development of the Far East and the Arctic, remarked in June that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian business community are keen on strengthening trade ties with the Russian Far East. He noted the potential for collaboration in developing an ice-capable fleet and enhancing container shipping capabilities.
As part of these efforts, Indian shipyards are reportedly in discussions to construct non-nuclear icebreaker vessels, which would enable them to navigate the challenging icy waters of the Arctic.
In conclusion, India's active interest in the Northern Sea Route reflects a broader trend of countries seeking to diversify their trade routes and partnerships in response to geopolitical shifts. With significant investments and collaborative agreements in place, both India and Russia are poised to strengthen their economic ties through the Arctic shipping corridor.