Russia and India are considering using the Northern Sea Route, which traverses the Arctic, for shipping.
Alexei Chekunkov, Russia’s minister for the development of the Far East and Arctic, reportedly discussed this with Indian officials during his visit and highlighted that Moscow wants transport of goods via the route to be “trustworthy and secure”.
Moscow has spent considerable funds to turn this route – which is the shortest between East Asia and Europe – into a significant shipping lane; however, it is unviable during winter because of ice coverage. Nevertheless, due to warming temperatures in the Arctic region, Russia intends to offer year-round service before 2021.
Reference: Moneycontrol, The Times of India