India’s Arctic ambitions face setback as pact with Russia put on ice

By Elías Thorsson July 11, 2024
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Moscow, Jul 10 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi receives the Order of St Andrew the Apostle the First-Called, Russia’s highest civilian honour, by Russian President Vladimir Putin, at St Catherine’s Hall, in Moscow on Tuesday. (ANI Photo)

India’s aspirations to expand its naval presence in the Arctic through a logistics agreement with Russia have faced a setback, reports the EurAsian Times. Despite high expectations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Russia did not result in the signing of the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Agreement (RELOS).

    • The anticipated signing of RELOS, which would have facilitated logistical support for military operations, did not materialize during Modi’s visit to Russia.
    • This agreement was set to enhance India’s naval access to Russian military facilities in the Arctic.
    • Access to the Arctic is crucial for India due to climate change impacts, including rising sea levels and changing monsoon patterns.
    • Melting Arctic ice opens new shipping routes, potentially reducing shipping costs and reshaping global sea trade.
    • The Indian Navy would have gained strategic access to the Arctic, aiding in operations and expanding its global reach.
    • India aims to develop the International North-South Corridor with Moscow, linking it to the Arctic to build trans-Arctic shipping routes.
    • With the Arctic sea ice declining at a rate of 13% per decade, India’s involvement in the region is vital for its economic and environmental interests.
    • Enhanced cooperation between the Indian and Russian navies remains a strategic goal, with potential future agreements to facilitate this collaboration.