(MENAFN) Russia is reportedly aiming to expand India’s involvement in the Northern Sea Route (NSR) and has offered the country potential full membership in the Arctic Council, according to reports.

Vladimir Panov, Russia’s special representative for Arctic development at Rosatom, stated that cooperation with India could be pivotal for the future growth of the NSR, as India has shown interest in Arctic partnerships.

The NSR, a shipping corridor running through Russia’s Arctic and Far East regions, provides the shortest maritime link between Europe and the Asia-Pacific. It is expected to become a key trade route, potentially reducing transport times compared to traditional routes through the Suez or Panama canals.

“The Northern Sea Route is not just a new shipping lane—it’s the last major addition to global marine logistics for the next few centuries,” Panov said. “Given the instability in traditional maritime corridors like the Red Sea and the rising threat of piracy in Southeast Asia, the NSR offers a safe and efficient alternative. And India, as a trusted long-term partner of Russia, has a vital role to play in this transformation.”

India has made modest investments in the Arctic but intends to expand its presence to tap into the region’s natural resources. The country is currently an observer in the Arctic Council, an intergovernmental forum established in 1996 for cooperation among Arctic states and indigenous communities.

Panov highlighted that Russia has deployed eight nuclear icebreakers, including four of the latest generation, to ensure year-round navigation along the NSR. These vessels enable non-ice-class ships to safely traverse the route, with Chinese cargo ships reportedly completing voyages in just 18 days—a reduction of over three weeks compared to traditional shipping lanes.

Last year, Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized the NSR’s development as a strategic priority for the nation.

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