Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India on December 4-5 could lead to a big announcement on Arctic cooperation between both the nations. For over a decade, Russian and Indian strategists have quietly pursued a framework for both countries to cooperate and jointly navigate the fast-melting ice caps of the Arctic.

To that end, Moscow has envisioned the Northern Sea Route, to ensure systemic access to Arctic resources and an alternative shipping route that bypasses traditional choke points. And Russia wants India aboard.

The timing matters. Geopolitical disruptions to maritime trade have exposed vulnerabilities in India’s supply chains. The Suez Canal remains congested and vulnerable to regional conflicts. Insurance premiums spike as shipping routes get strangled in conflict zones. These realities are now driving India’s pursuit of alternatives. The Northern Sea Route offers precisely that — a maritime corridor that cuts shipping distance from Northern Europe to the Indo-Pacific by up to 40 per cent.

For a trading nation, 95 per cent of whose merchandise trade transits by sea, shipping costs matter big time. The difference between a 21,000-kilometer Suez route and a 14,000-kilometer Arctic route translates to measurable savings. Studies commissioned by shipping companies estimate 17 to 33 per cent reductions in overall transit costs on the Arctic route compared to traditional southern passages. Fuel consumption alone drops by 40 per cent due to the shorter distance. As a result, ships complete additional rotations annually. Insurance costs decline because the Arctic, despite ice hazards, eliminates piracy risk and reduces vulnerability to geopolitical disruptions in the Middle East.

India’s major ports handle approximately 1,400 million tonnes of cargo annually. Even marginal percentage improvements in shipping efficiency across this volume generate billions in cost savings. These savings translate into lower consumer prices, more competitive manufacturing costs, and enhanced trade competitiveness for Indian firms. For exporters, reduced........

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