Russia has expressed interest in collaborating with India to jointly produce Arctic-class vessels, a move expected to significantly boost India’s domestic shipbuilding capabilities.
Russia’s First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov highlighted the proposal and emphasised that this cooperation could open a promising new chapter in India–Russia bilateral ties.
Speaking to Sputnik India, Manturov stated that Russia leads globally in manufacturing polar cargo vessels equipped with advanced ice-breaking technology to withstand the harsh conditions of the Arctic.
This technological expertise, if shared through joint production, could provide India with access to critical capabilities in the realm of Arctic navigation and specialised vessel construction.
Manturov confirmed that discussions have been ongoing with India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
The collaboration gains importance as both nations work to strengthen maritime trade routes and develop a stable Eurasian transport framework.
Expanding Maritime Trade Routes
The initiative holds particular significance as the two major maritime corridors between the countries—the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and the Eastern Maritime Corridor linking Vladivostok to Chennai—gain growing relevance.
These routes will enhance bilateral trade, reduce transit times and expand India’s presence in key shipping lanes.
India has also shown interest in the Northern Sea Route, where melting Arctic ice in recent years has opened new possibilities for shipping along Russia’s northern coast.
Increased Indian cargo activity in the region has further strengthened the case for long-term maritime cooperation.
According to a shipping ministry official, the India–Russia Joint Working Group has begun preliminary discussions on the proposed shipbuilding partnership.
Russian logistics conglomerate Delo Group is among the entities exploring joint ventures with Indian shipyards. However, no formal proposal has yet been submitted to Indian state-owned yards.
The official added that private shipyards may already be in informal contact with Russian players, even as government-level talks remain at an early stage.
India’s Growing Shipbuilding Momentum
India’s shipbuilding sector has been gaining traction in recent years.
Cochin Shipyard, one of the country’s leading shipyards, secured a letter of intent earlier this year from French shipping major CMA CGM for six dual-fuel container vessels, highlighting India’s growing capabilities.
In June, Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata partnered with Norway’s Kongsberg Oslo through a memorandum of understanding, enabling India to build its first-ever indigenously constructed Polar Research Vessel (PRV).
India and Russia have already operationalised the Eastern Maritime Corridor between Chennai and Vladivostok, with crude oil and coking coal forming the primary cargo.
Officials say plans are underway to diversify the cargo base and expand utilisation of the route.
The proposed joint production of polar-class vessels could further deepen strategic ties, enhance India’s shipbuilding capacity and support the shared vision of a robust, interconnected Eurasian transport network.
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