Opinion/ Vladivostok to Chennai: Between India and Russia, Timeless Bond Exists

New Delhi: India-Russia relations have not only stood test of time but have also seen a cumulative convergence of interests in post-cold war era having a shared vision in various fields but economic, tre and investment have been important areas of focus between two countries. largest exports from India to Russia include chemical products, engineering goods and agricultural products. two sides are also working to expand tre basket and identify new areas of tre, which range from deep sea exploration to building knowledge based economies. For example, science and technology, innovation, robotics and artificial intelligence, infrastructure and skill development, agriculture, shipbuilding, railways, aviation and greater connectivity, especially through people-to-people  contacts.

How PM Modi's 2019 Visit to Vlivostok Turned a New Leaf in India-Russia Ties

Recently, both Russia and India have shown commitments to make progress towards achieving target of mutual investment of US $15 billion each way by year 2025. Prime Minister Modi became first Indian Prime Minister to visit Russian Far East which stood out due to two reasons: firstly, a new approach to India-Russia relations and secondly, reinvigorating a time-honored bond with Russia. On this occasion, India announced to extend US $1 billion line of credit for development of Russian Far East as part of India’s Act Far East policy. two countries also agreed to set up a sea link between Vlivostok and Chennai which would connect two countries through Malacca Strait and South China Sea, thus bringing Russia into India’s vision of Indo-Pacific. It is to be noted that such developments occurred at a time when re was a rising notion that Russia was drifting away from India on bilateral relationship but with Eastern Maritime corridor vision and mission were accomplished.

Post PM Modi's Vlivostok Visit, Eastern Maritime Corridor Revolutionises India's Maritime Tre

Eastern Maritime Corridor (EMC), which connects Vlivostok in Russian Far East and Chennai, came amid a surge in oil, coal ,and fertiliser exports from Russia to India. As most of tre between India and Russia is conducted via Mumbai -St. Petersburg sea route .With EMC biggest vantage is significant reduction in distance upto 40% which will give boost to ir tre by saving time and energy .This tre route is strategically important because India will have strategic presence in South China Sea and route will not depend on west .It will interest many countries like Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore to be a part of this EMC in future . Anor vantage to India is that it will provide India a shorter access to Far East countries like Japan. Economic cooperation focusing on new opportunities in Russian Far East has always been discussed by our Foreign Minister S Jaishankar and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov for a long time as y both emphasised that North-South Transport Corridor and Chennai-Vlivostok Eastern Maritime Corridor will  rapidly expand energy cooperation that has come a long way with passionate goals. Atma Nirbhar Bharat of  Modi’s economic vision will be facilitated and appetite for greater investments by both Russia and India will be fulfilled. Nuclear cooperation between two countries is also contributing to vancing government's "Make in India" initiative, as some critical components are grually being manufactured in India.

PM Modi's Helping Hand in Russia's Far-East Helps Furr Cement Bilateral Ties

Russia's deces of experience in developing sophisticated nuclear technology, along with years of strong India-Russia bilateral ties, positions Russia as a suitable partner for boosting India's growing civil nuclear energy demands. attempt of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reach to Far East Russia, where he extended a credit line of $1 billion for development of region, has also played a major role in strengning ir bonds . His presence in fifth Eastern Economic Forum as a chief guest in 20th India-Russia Annual Summit along with Russian president Vlimir Putin Which pointed to development of business and investment opportunities in Russian Far East region, and enormous potential for developing close and mutually beneficial cooperation between India and Russia. As our prime minister imagined at 5th Eastern Economic Forum in Vlivostok, and mentioned that "When ships will start plying between Vlivostok and Chennai with opening of maritime routes between two cities, Russian port city will become springboard of norast asia market in India and  furr deepen India-Russia partnership," also ded that partnership between India and Russia in development of Far East will make it a "confluence of open, free and inclusive Indo-Pacific", which has now culminated into a new and fresh start where dependence will be reduced on West . revitalisation of EMC will bring in new vibes. Indian government’s "Act Far East" policy, which was unveiled during meet, is now obvious to boost India's engagement with Russia's Far East region, blessed with oil, gas and or minerals and will become bedrock of a strong India-Russia tie.

New Corridor Between India and Russia a “Game-Changer"

Indian Minister for ports, shipping & waterways announced  that EMC is “Game changer" since it has reduced time of transportation of cargo by up to 16 days that is from 40 days to 24 days . It is of historical significance because route was operational in Soviet Era with objective of renewed interest. It has been revived amid tension in Red Sea during Gaza war . Most attractive commodity is coking coal and transportation of same will increase significantly in coming years due to Eastern Maritime Corridor. Russia also reported that EMC can be furr linked to Norrn Sea Route (NSR)in order to amplify benefits to India.Norrn Sea Route runs from Barents Sea near Russia -Norway border to Bering Strait between Siberia-Alaska.

deputy minister of Russia highlighted that reducing logistic cost and enhancing mutual tre is main mutual achievement . This cost effective route will make vision of India more focused and this has been witnessed and appreciated by president Putin . vision  of Prime Minister Modi to bring India and Russia's Far East more closer as y  have enjoyed close ties for ages. As it is  India was   first country to open its consulate in Vlivostok in   era of Soviet Union, Vlivostok h opened its doors for India at a time when area was restricted for foreigners. During that time, goods for defence and or development used to reach India through Vlivostok and now re will be a flow of energy supplies and or important products accentuating tre hence will  be lucrative economically and strategically.Prime Minister Narendra Modi and president Vlimir Putin again proved that two country will remain all wear friends.

(Dr Vaishali Krishna is an Assistant Professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University's Centre for Russian and Central Asian Studies in New Delhi)