Key facts
- India is considering increased use of the Northern Sea Route (NSR) due to disruptions in the Hormuz strait.
- Russia and India are jointly developing capabilities for the NSR.
- The Russia-India sea transport corridor could be extended via the NSR to link India to European markets.
- The NSR offers potential savings of up to 40% in distance and two weeks of travel time compared to the Suez Canal route.
- Indian shipyards are building four non-nuclear icebreaker ships for Arctic navigation.
- The Russia-India sea transport corridor became operational in 2024.
India is showing significant interest in utilizing the Northern Sea Route (NSR) as an alternative to traditional shipping lanes, particularly in light of disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Alexey Chekunkov, Russia's Minister for the Development of the Far East and the Arctic, stated that joint development of capabilities for this route is underway. He explained that the existing Russia-India sea transport corridor, operational since 2024, could be extended via the NSR to connect India with European markets. This route, running through the Arctic Ocean, is promoted by Russia as the shortest shipping lane between East Asia and Europe, with significant investments being made in its infrastructure. Utilizing the NSR could offer India substantial savings, potentially reducing travel distance by up to 40% and cutting down transit time by approximately two weeks compared to the Suez Canal route. Chekunkov highlighted that India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian business community recognize the logistical and economic potential of the Russian Far East. Indian shipyards are currently constructing four non-nuclear icebreaker ships to facilitate navigation in the Arctic waters.