India has put forth a proposal for joint manufacturing of non-nuclear icebreakers in its shipyards, a Russian minister said on Wednesday.
Alexey Chekunkov, who heads the Eurasian nation's Ministry of Eastern Development, made the remarks in an interview with Sputnik on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in Vladivostok.
Earlier, Chekunkov held discussions with an Indian business delegation that arrived to attend the EEF.
"This is a continuation of the work that we began in March of this year. At my invitation, the Minister of Ports and Shipping of India came to the Russian Federation. This is his first time in Russia. India is interested in training personnel in Arctic navigation. We made a proposal for the joint creation of non-nuclear icebreakers on Indian shipyards. We are studying this proposal," Chekunkov stated.
India-Russia to Expand Cooperation in the Arctic
He stressed that Russia should focus on devising a comprehensive approach, particularly on matters that hold strategic importance for Moscow, such as joint production of ice-class vessels, shipping lanes, and container lines.
"And for this - diversification of mutual trade and shipbuilding, since there are many shipyards in India. Our [United Shipbuilding Corporation]USC has already conducted such negotiations. Recently the leadership there has changed, we will assist in organizing a dialogue between the Indian industry and our shipbuilders," the minister noted.
Additionally, as per Chekunkov, the two countries agreed to create a dialogue mechanism to expand cooperation in Russia's Arctic region and develop the Northern Sea Route as a major transit hub.