Experts and Scientists Discussed Russian-Indian Cooperation in the Arctic

A key conclusion of the discussion was the importance of implementing new, more flexible approaches to deepening bilateral cooperation in the Arctic, taking into account the sanctions imposed by Washington against Russia.

Ekaterina Serova, Deputy Director of the Arctic Center at Petrozavodsk State University and event coordinator from the ANO "Arctic Century," outlined the goal of the seminar:

“We will attempt to answer the question of the potential for Russian-Indian cooperation in the Arctic, given the current state of affairs. We believe that the policies of the United States and its allies are the main external factor hindering cooperation in the region.

At the plenary session, Alexey Vladimirovich Kupriyanov, Director of the Indian Ocean Region Center at the IMEMO RAS, noted India's dynamic shift in its position on high latitudes:

“Until 2022, the Indian expert and business community had not shown much enthusiasm for its presence in the Arctic. The situation has changed, but another limiting factor has emerged: sanctions. However, India has recently demonstrated increasing interest in an active presence in the region.

Natalya Aleksandrovna Tsvetkova, Acting Director of the Institute of U.S. and Canadian Studies at the Russian Academy of Sciences, characterized the US approach to India in her speech as a policy of so-called strategic balancing:

“The US is trying to keep India within its orbit, preventing it from becoming closer to Russia and China. On the other hand, India is also managing risks, not wanting to lose the benefits of its relationship with the US—access to technology and markets. The relationship is complex and balancing.

Sergey Vadimovich Orlov, Deputy Executive Director of the Gorchakov Fund, pointed out the dual role of the American factor:

“Washington not only pressures with sanctions but also offers an alternative, actively trying to engage India in its vision of a "free and open Arctic." Sanctions have created a "glass ceiling" beyond which Russian-Indian economic cooperation in the region cannot yet rise. In response, Moscow and Delhi will seek pragmatism and new workarounds.

The moderator of the first panel discussion, Alexander Anatolyevich Sergunin, Professor at St. Petersburg State University and Director of the Center for Arctic Research and Projects at Northwest Management University of the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (RANEPA), emphasized the importance of adapting to the new conditions:

“When sanctions prevent us from developing major economic initiatives in the region, the formula "less oil and gas, more science and logistics" becomes relevant. We expect India to invest more in the development of the Northern Sea Route and participate in scientific and innovative initiatives, such as the recently launched joint study of agro-energy systems for extreme conditions.

Valery Nikolaevich Konyshev, Head of the Department of Comparative Political Studies at the Faculty of International Relations and Political Studies at the North-West Institute of Management of the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration, emphasized the need for extremely realistic assessments:

“When discussing the Northern Sea Route, it is important to understand its physical, geographical, and economic limitations. The depths of the straits of the Novaya Zemlya archipelago impose significant restrictions on vessel tonnage. The economic feasibility of large-scale container shipping through the Arctic for India is currently unclear. However, this does not negate the geopolitical value of transport corridors such as the North-South corridor, which allow for the diversification of logistics flows.

Vice Admiral (Ret.) Pradeep Chauhan, Director of the International Maritime Foundation of India, emphasized security issues:

“The Arctic is becoming a new space where the interests of great powers intersect. For India, ensuring the security of maritime communications and preventing the escalation of tensions in the region is a key issue. Cooperation with Russia in sharing ice data and search and rescue operations could be a significant contribution to stability.

Dr. Uttam Kumar Sinha, Director of the Parrikar Institute of Defence Studies (IDS), called for geopolitical risks to be taken into account when planning and implementing major economic projects, as well as for greater attention to scientific and educational projects.

Dr. Bipandeep Sharma, Researcher at the Parrikar Institute of Defence Studies (IDS), pointed to potential in shipbuilding, port infrastructure development, and personnel training. The expert noted:

“The Russian shipbuilding industry is under pressure due to Western sanctions. At the same time, India has ambitious plans to develop its shipbuilding industry. Russian companies with experience developing northern ports can find new opportunities here.

Summing up the seminar, the section moderators noted that, despite the existing challenges, the dialogue between Russia and India on the Arctic agenda is constructive and pragmatic. Participants agreed that, in addition to energy and logistics, it is necessary to actively develop cooperation in science, renewable energy, protecting the rights of indigenous peoples, and creating an objective media image of the Arctic. These areas could become "quick wins" and strengthen trust between the two countries in the face of growing geopolitical instability.

The seminar participants also thanked the organizers – the staff of the Arctic Center of PetrSU – and congratulated Petrozavodsk University on its anniversary, wishing it prosperity.

The expert seminar "The American Factor in Russian-Indian Relations in the Arctic" was conducted by staff of the Arctic Century ANO and the Arctic Center of Petrozavodsk State University with the support of the A.M. Gorchakov Public Diplomacy Fund and the Institute of China and Modern Asia of the Russian Academy of Sciences.