India among Russia's most productive Arctic partners, says Moscow

Russia has called its Arctic cooperation talks with India among the most productive. The remark elevates New Delhi's polar profile as it weighs stronger Arctic engagement.Image used for representational purposes onlyIndia is among the countries holding the “most productive” talks with Russia on cooperation in the Arctic, a senior Russian foreign ministry official said on Thursday. He said the number of countries seeking to work with Russia in the high latitudes is steadily growing.The remarks came a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin said India and China, along with other countries, want to work with Russia in the Arctic and on the Northern Sea Route. He made the comments while stressing cooperation under existing international maritime law amid what he described as rising tensions in the Arctic and the Asia-Pacific regions.Speaking at the fourth Arctic–Regions Forum, Vladislav Maslennikov, Director of the Department of European Problems at the Russian Foreign Ministry, said, according to state-run TASS, “The most productive dialogue is taking shape with China and India, which not only demonstrate interest in the Arctic agenda but also possess extensive resources for implementing joint projects and initiatives in this area.”The Arctic region is considered to be above 66 degrees north latitude. Along with the Antarctic region, it represents nearly 90 per cent of the planet’s ice sheet and stores 70 per cent of fresh water source. While the Arctic is a sea surrounded by landmass, Antarctica is a landmass surrounded by sea. Putin said, “By the way, tensions are also mounting in the neighbouring Arctic zone...regarding the use of the Northern Sea Route.” He added, “But Russia has always advocated, and continues to confirm its readiness to cooperate in the Arctic and the use of the Northern Sea Route. Of course, within the framework of existing international maritime law.”He also said, “And those countries that want to work with us are showing interest in it, and these are primarily our friends - China, India, and other countries. They are discussing these issues with us and will certainly welcome joint work with our friends and with all countries that want to participate in this important and very promising initiative to expand global logistics.” In July, a parliamentary panel in New Delhi recommended that the government consider appointing a “polar ambassador”. It said such a position would help India project the importance it gives to the polar regions in its foreign policy architecture and help pursue “polar diplomacy” more effectively. The panel also said most of the Arctic region covers territories sovereign to the Arctic nations and is inhabited by about four million people, around 10 per cent of whom are indigenous.Russia’s latest comments place India among the key countries in talks on Arctic cooperation, alongside China, even as New Delhi considers ways to strengthen its engagement with the polar regions.With PTI Inputs- EndsPublished By: India Today Web Desk Published On: Aug 13, 2026 16:32 IST