Northern Sea Route

Current Context: India and Norway are set to undertake a joint feasibility study from June 2025 to explore year-round commercial shipping along Russia’s Northern Sea Route, aiming to shorten voyages between Eurasia and Europe and strengthen Arctic cooperation.

ABOUT:

• Route : Runs 13,000 km from the Barents Sea (near Norway) to the Bering Strait, traversing the Arctic coast of Russia.
• Significance:
  • Cuts Europe–Asia shipping times by 10–14 days versus the Suez Canal (~21,000 km).
  • Opens access to five Arctic ports: Sabetta, Dudinka, Khatanga, Tiksi, and Pevek.
• Operational Challenges:
  • Seasonal ice cover requires ice-class vessels and icebreaker support.
  • Environmental sensitivities demand stringent Arctic environmental safeguards.

Strategic Implications:

• Enhances India–Russia and India–Norway maritime ties.
• Supports India’s Sagarmala vision for alternative maritime corridors.