SOURCE: AFI
India and Russia have taken a significant step towards strengthening their cooperation in the Northern Sea Route (NSR) with the first meeting of the India-Russia working group on NSR cooperation. The meeting, held last week, focused on setting targets for Indian-Russian cargo transit, training Indian sailors for polar navigation, and developing joint projects in Arctic shipbuilding.
Rosatom, the Russian state corporation responsible for nuclear energy, announced that the working group also drafted a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between India and Russia for the development of cooperation in cargo shipping through the NSR. This MoU will serve as a framework for expanding bilateral collaboration in this area.
The NSR, a maritime route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans across the Arctic, has gained increasing strategic importance as climate change reduces sea ice and opens new possibilities for shipping. India, as a major trading nation with significant interests in the Arctic region, has been keen to explore the potential of the NSR for its trade and economic development.
By partnering with Russia, a leading Arctic power, India aims to gain access to the NSR and reduce the time and cost of transporting goods between Europe and Asia. The collaboration also offers opportunities for Indian companies to participate in the development of infrastructure and services along the route.
The working group’s discussions on training Indian sailors for polar navigation underscore the importance of building human capital to support Indian operations in the Arctic. By acquiring the necessary skills and expertise, Indian seafarers can safely navigate the challenging conditions of the NSR and contribute to the success of Indian-Russian shipping ventures.
The development of joint projects in Arctic shipbuilding is another area of focus for the India-Russia partnership. By collaborating on shipbuilding projects, both countries can leverage their respective strengths and expertise to develop innovative and efficient vessels capable of operating in the harsh Arctic environment.