Northern Sea Route Cooperation

In Oct 2024, the India-Russia working group on cooperation in the Northern Sea Route (NSR) held its inaugural meeting to discuss targets for cargo transit, training of Indian sailors for polar navigation, and potential joint projects in Arctic shipbuilding.

Key Points

Drafting of Memorandum of Understanding: The working group is drafting a memorandum of understanding between the Indian and Russian governments to enhance cooperation in cargo shipping along the NSR, as stated by the Rosatom state corporation.
Strategic Importance of the NSR: The NSR, the shortest shipping route linking Eurasia and the Asia-Pacific region, has gained prominence due to melting ice caps. Rosatom aims to develop the NSR into a crucial shipping artery connecting Europe, Russia, and the Asia-Pacific.
Federal Project for Development: Preparations are underway for a federal project to establish a transport corridor along the Great Northern Sea Route, extending from St. Petersburg and Kaliningrad to Vladivostok, enhancing connectivity in the region.
Joint Initiatives Following Modi's Visit: During Prime Minister visit to Moscow in July, both nations emphasized collaboration on the NSR, aiming to build stable transport corridors, including the Chennai-Vladivostok Corridor and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
Cargo Services and Infrastructure Upgrades: By the end of 2023, international cargo transit along the NSR surpassed two million tonnes, with 438 vessel calls supported by nuclear-powered icebreakers from January to June 2024.