Russia and India in the Arctic: a case for greater synergy

The article studies the cooperation between Russia and India with specific reference to the Arctic region. The melting of the Arctic sea ice has seen tremendous investment by Russia in the Arctic. It has sought strategic partners for the development of the Arctic, with the primary focus being on the development of the oil and gas industry and the Northern Sea Route. Russia and India have had long-standing diplomatic relations. It has been in diverse spheres such as space, atomic energy, defense, oil and gas, diamond industry, steel industry being just a few ones. Russia’s focus on the Arctic ushers in many more opportunities for Russia and India to cooperate. India is one of the few countries to which Russia has accorded many investment opportunities in oil and gas and the diamond industry. India has made some investments in the oil and gas industry of the Russian Arctic. However, the article highlights that the energy deficit in India is dangerous, and it affects the development of the country. The article suggests more significant Indian investment in the Arctic, including phase II of the Yamal LNG project. It brings out a need for greater cooperation in scientific research, specifically climate change and hydrography, and possible utilization of the immense technically qualified human resource that India has in diverse areas of the Arctic. It is relevant for diplomats, civil servants, oil and gas companies, strategic mineral companies, hydrographic authorities, and researchers in both countries involved in developing the Arctic and the Northern Sea Route. The article may be of interest for relevant courses and programs at universities.