Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin has said India is among the countries showing interest in working with Moscow on the Northern Sea Route (NSR), as Russia seeks to increase international cooperation around the Arctic shipping corridor.
He said so while addressing a meeting with Pacific Fleet personnel aboard the missile cruiser Varyag. He said Russia’s partners, including India and China, are negotiating cooperation on the NSR and warned of rising “artificial tensions” in the Arctic. Putin said Russia is ready to work with other countries on the route under the international maritime law. These partners include, above all, our friends China, India and other nations who are actively discussing these matters with us,” he said. “India is one of the main countries showing interest in cooperation on the Northern Sea Route,” he said. The Russian president also warned that the rising interest in Arctic shipping is taking place along with “artificial tensions” in the region. Putin said Russia want cooperation on the NSR to follow international maritime law. He said Moscow will respond “in kind” if European countries confiscated Russian ships.
“Although Russia has consistently voiced, and continues to reaffirm, its readiness to cooperate and leverage the advantages of the Northern Sea Route, strictly within the bounds of existing international maritime law. We see growing interest from countries wishing to engage with us on this front. He also identified India as one of the main countries showing interest in the route. He referred to activities by external powers, including the expansion of NATO. The route has become an important part of Moscow’s plans to develop its Arctic territories and strengthen trade connections with Asian countries. Putin also issued a warning over European attempts to target Russian merchant vessels.
