India is committed to partnering in the development of the Northern Sea Route (NSR), as well as the Eastern Maritime Corridor (EMC) between Russia’s Vladivostok and India’s Chennai, said Minister for Ports and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal after meeting Alexei Chekunkov, Minister of Development of the Far East and Arctic of the Russian Federation.
“India is keen to collaborate a partnership regarding the development of the Northern Sea route, recognising the potential it holds for enhanced connectivity and trade,” Sonowal said.
The current trade route between the two countries measures 8,675 nautical miles. The Chennai-Vladivostok sea route will cover a distance of about 5,600 nautical miles.
“The relationship between Russia and India has deep historical roots and is based on mutual respect and common interests. We remain committed to maintaining strong ties and developing strategic cooperation in various sectors,” said Sonowal while attending the 8th Eastern Economic Forum meeting in Vladivostok, held from September 10-13.
Apart from this, India and Russia also agreed to train Indian seafarers in Polar and Arctic waters at the Russian Maritime Training Institute, a communique issued by India stated.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a memorandum of understanding in order to develop the shipping route during the Indian leader’s visit to the EEF in September 2019.