India, Russia explore new maritime corridors to unlock trade potential

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Maritime Corridor (EMC) between Vladivostok and Chennai. Both the nations also agreed on training for seafarers in polar and Arctic waters at Russian Maritime Training Institute in Vladivostok.

Highlighting the role of other alternative routes for exploring trade and commerce opportunities between India and Russia, Sonowal said, “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." “We agree with your conclusions that the potential cargo base of the line will be coking coal, oil, LNG and fertilizers. In the Far East, this product range is present in sufficient quantities, and in the east of India, the infrastructure to receive it is being built up.

Taking into account the specialization of the Far Eastern ports, the project should be implemented in an expanded geographical scope, including other regions in addition to Primorye, primarily the Khabarovsk Territory," Chekunkov said “We are ready to visit Chennai this October on a business mission and, with the participation of leading Russian exporters, to develop mutually beneficial solutions with the Indian side for the launch of the above lines. The NSR is a global transport project.

Its development can provide economic benefits to both Russia and non-regional states. For India, this is an opportunity to increase sales of shipbuilding products and gain income from participation in the general logistics business in northern latitudes," the Russia minister added.

This proposed sea route between Chennai and Vladivostok is located on the Golden Horn Bay north of North Korea and a short distance from Russia’s border with China. Vladivostok is the largest port on