India and Russia Expand Maritime Cooperation with a Focus on Northern Sea Route and Arctic Training

In a bid to strengthen maritime ties, India and Russia have embarked on a joint effort to explore the Northern Sea Route (NSR) and Eastern Maritime Corridor (EMC) for expanded maritime cooperation. The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush, Sarbananda Sonowal, met with the Minister of the Russian Federation for the Development of the Far East and the Arctic, A.O. Chekunkov, in Vladivostok today to discuss various aspects of their maritime collaboration.

One of the key agreements reached during the meeting is the joint training of Indian seafarers in polar and Arctic waters. This training program will take place at the Russian Maritime Training Institute, named after GI Admiral Nevelsky, situated in Vladivostok, Russia. The institute boasts state-of-the-art simulator training facilities, ensuring comprehensive preparation for seafarers operating in challenging Arctic conditions.

Sonowal emphasized the historical and strategic importance of the India-Russia relationship, highlighting their shared interests and mutual respect. He noted that the collaboration between the two countries extends to exploring new transport corridors like the NSR and EMC, connecting Vladivostok and Chennai.

Regarding the EMC, Sonowal revealed that a recent visit to Russian ports in May 2023 provided valuable insights and fostered collaboration, particularly concerning the operationalization of this maritime corridor. He announced plans for a workshop in Chennai to further discuss the EMC’s potential, with an emphasis on commodities such as coking coal, oil, and liquefied natural gas. Sonowal also extended an invitation to Russia to participate in the upcoming Global Maritime India Summit (GMIS) in 2023.

Minister A.O. Chekunkov echoed the sentiments of cooperation and emphasized the significance of maritime communications development between the two nations. He acknowledged the discussions about the Northern Sea Route and expressed commitment to strengthening the partnership between Russia and India, particularly in the Far East.

Highlighting the prospects of the Northern Sea Route, Sonowal emphasized its potential for enhanced connectivity and trade between India and Russia. The route offers alternative options for trade and commerce, facilitating the movement of coking coal, oil, LNG, and fertilizers.

AO Chekunkov acknowledged the cargo potential of the Northern Sea Route and emphasized the importance of collaboration between the Far East and India. He expressed readiness to visit Chennai in October 2023 on a business mission, with Russian exporters, to explore mutually beneficial solutions for launching these trade routes. He highlighted that the NSR is a global transport project with economic benefits for both Russia and non-regional states, offering opportunities for India to increase its sales of shipbuilding products and participate in logistics ventures in northern latitudes.

The India-Russia Joint Maritime Commission will play a pivotal role in facilitating discussions and decisions on various issues related to the development and utilization of the Northern Sea Route, further solidifying the maritime partnership between the two nations.