Putin Says India Shows Growing Interest In Russia's Northern Sea Route Amid Rising Arctic Tensions

Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday said that there is growing interest in cooperation on the Northern Sea Route (NSR) among Russia's "partner" countriers, especially India, amid Western sactions over the Ukraine conflict. He cited India as one of the key countries showing growing interest in cooperation on this Arctic shipping route.

What did Putin say?

While addressing a meeting of Pacific Fleet personnel on the missile cruiser Varyag, Putin warned about the growing "artificial tension" in the Arctic, pointing to the activities of external forces, particularly NATO expansion, according to reports.

 “Although Russia has consistently voiced, and continues to reaffirm, its readiness to cooperate and leverage the advantages of the Northern Sea Route, strictly within the bounds of existing international maritime law,” he said.

What did Russian President say about India's growing interest?

Putin clarified that Russia has always been ready to cooperate and share the benefits of the Northerfn Sea Route within the limits of international maritime law. He said that key partner countries such as China and India are actively discussing this issue with Russia. Putin named India as one of the key countries that is showing increasing interest in expanding cooperation on this route. 

Did Putin warn EU?

Previously, Putin had adopted a firm attitude toward the measures undertaken by the European Union (EU) with regard to Russia's “Shadow Alliance” or Shadow Fleet. According to Putin, any attempt made by European nations to capture Russian merchant vessels will be viewed as acts of piracy, and Russia would definitely retaliate strongly. It was clearly mentioned that the retaliation of Russia would not be confined to the places where the vessels are seized.

Meanwhile, the EU has increased sanctions on hundreds of Russian ships suspected of bypassing Western sanctions on crude oil exports. Several European countries have detained ships and crews for investigation. Additionally, several governments have indicated they will implement stricter maritime enforcement measures against ships that evade sanctions.