New India-Russia Maritime Roadmap Links Indian Ocean to Russian Far East

India and Russia have unveiled an expanded maritime cooperation roadmap. It covers shipbuilding, Arctic-ready seafaring, and new trade routes from the Indian Ocean to the Russian Far East. The announcement came during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to India from December 4–5. He and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi endorsed a new economic programme aimed at raising bilateral trade to USD 100 billion by 2030, with maritime links as a key focus.

MoUs to Strengthen Maritime Capabilities

During the visit, India’s Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal exchanged landmark MoUs with Russian Transport Minister HE Andrey Nikitin. The exchange took place in the presence of PM Modi and President Putin.

In a post on X, Sonowal said the agreements will boost India’s maritime strength. They include advanced seafarer training for polar water operations, technology partnerships, and a stronger framework for maritime policy and security. He called the collaboration “charting a new course for a resilient and connected maritime world.”

Sonowal also highlighted joint efforts in shipbuilding and new maritime corridors, from the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) to the Chennai–Vladivostok route. He described it as a “win-win partnership” that creates jobs and opens “new horizons for a shared maritime future.”

Door to the Arctic

The maritime agenda gained momentum after Russia’s State Duma ratified the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Support (RELOS) agreement on December 3, just before President Putin’s visit. The pact gives India access to the Russian Arctic. This region is becoming strategically important as melting ice opens new shipping routes.

After more than a decade of discussions, the latest agreements signal a shift from planning to action. Both nations are now aligning their maritime ambitions to take advantage of emerging sea routes.