India–Russia cooperation on Arctic, nuclear energy, and space
Arctic cooperation
India and Russia agreed to hold regular bilateral consultations on Arctic-related issues.
Both sides welcomed progress in bilateral cooperation on the Northern Sea Route (NSR).
India’s scientific interest in the Arctic predates Independence.
India is a participant by virtue of the Svalbard Treaty (1920), signed by the British government on India's behalf.
Norway retains sovereignty over the Svalbard archipelago.
Citizens and companies of 48 signatory countries have equal rights for non-military use: commercial activity, fishing, mining, scientific research.
Nuclear energy cooperation
Both countries agreed to broaden cooperation in:
nuclear fuel cycle and lifecycle support for Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KNPP).
construction of remaining units at Kudankulam.
ensuring timelines for supply of equipment and fuel.
India also indicated it will strive to allot a second site for another Russia-assisted nuclear plant, as per earlier agreements.
Agreement to accelerate technical and commercial discussions on VVER (Vodo-Vodyanoi Energetichesky Reaktor) reactors for:
design
research
joint development of nuclear plants.
Space cooperation
Both countries welcomed an enhanced partnership between:
ISRO, and
Roscosmos, the Russian state-owned space agency.
Cooperation focuses on the peaceful uses of outer space.
The Northern Sea Route (NSR), also called the Northeast Passage, is a shipping lane in the Arctic Ocean that runs along the Russian coast, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. It is significantly shorter than the Suez Canal route, reducing travel time by almost half between Europe and Asia.
The route runs through four Arctic seas—the Kara, Laptev, East Siberian, and Chukchi Seas—and is an important area of focus for countries like Russia, China, and India due to its potential for trade and resource transport
Prelims Practice MCQs
Q. The Svalbard Treaty (1920), relevant to India’s Arctic engagement, provides which one of the following?
A. Exclusive Norwegian control over all scientific research in the Arctic
B. Equal rights for signatory nations to conduct non-military commercial and scientific activities in Svalbard
C. Military cooperation among Arctic nations
D. Automatic membership to the Arctic Council for all signatories
Correct answer: B
Explanation: The treaty gives Norway sovereignty but guarantees equal non-military rights to all signatories.
Q. India–Russia cooperation on the Northern Sea Route primarily relates to:
A. Maritime access to Antarctica
B. A trans-Arctic shipping route crucial for navigation and logistics
C. India’s claim over mineral resources in the Arctic
D. Joint naval patrols in the Pacific
Correct answer: B
Explanation: The NSR is a trans-Arctic maritime route whose development India and Russia are jointly exploring.