MOSCOW, Aug 13: India and Russia are engaged in what Moscow describes as highly productive discussions on expanding cooperation in the Arctic, with New Delhi showing strong interest in projects linked to the strategically important region.
Vladislav Maslennikov, Director of the Department of European Problems at the Russian Foreign Ministry, said Thursday that an increasing number of countries are seeking engagement with Russia in the Arctic.
Speaking at the fourth Arctic Regions Forum, Maslennikov said the strongest dialogue was currently developing with India and China. He noted that both countries have expressed interest in the Arctic agenda and possess significant resources that could support joint projects and initiatives.
“The most productive dialogue is taking shape with China and India,” Maslennikov said, according to the state-run TASS news agency.
His remarks came a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin highlighted growing interest from India, China and other countries in working with Moscow on Arctic development and the Northern Sea Route.
Putin said Russia remained open to international cooperation in the region and stressed that such engagement would be carried out within the framework of international maritime law.
He also pointed to increasing tensions in the Arctic and the Asia-Pacific region while emphasising the potential of the Northern Sea Route to contribute to the expansion of global logistics.
According to Putin, India and China are among the countries discussing possible cooperation with Russia on the route and other Arctic-related initiatives.
The Northern Sea Route, which runs along Russia’s Arctic coast, has gained strategic importance as countries explore alternative shipping corridors connecting Europe and Asia. Its development is also attracting attention because of changing Arctic conditions and the region’s growing economic and geopolitical significance.
The Arctic extends broadly north of 66 degrees latitude and contains substantial reserves of natural resources. Unlike Antarctica, which is a continent surrounded by ocean, the Arctic is primarily an ocean surrounded by land.
India has also been strengthening its focus on polar affairs. In July, a parliamentary panel recommended that the government examine the appointment of a dedicated “polar ambassador”.
The panel said such a position could help highlight the importance of the Arctic and Antarctic regions within India’s foreign policy framework and strengthen the country’s approach to “polar diplomacy”.
The parliamentary panel also noted that much of the Arctic falls within the sovereign territories of the Arctic nations and is home to around four million people. Indigenous communities account for approximately 10 per cent of the region’s population.
India’s growing engagement with the Arctic reflects its broader interest in scientific research, climate studies, strategic affairs, connectivity and emerging economic opportunities in the polar region.
With Moscow seeking greater international participation in Arctic initiatives, discussions with New Delhi could provide scope for expanded cooperation in logistics, research, technology and other areas of mutual interest.