The Cooperation Between Russia and India in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation

Abstract

The article traces the evolution of relations between Russia and India, including on issues of joint implementation of Arctic projects. The areas in which interaction is already taking place between the parties in the Russian Arctic are highlighted, and trends for potential partnership between the two countries are revealed.The purpose of the work is to considerate ongoing activities within the framework of ongoing areas of joint activity between Russia and India in the Russian Arctic, as well as to define potentially mutually beneficial trends for future partnership in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation.The following methodology and methods were used: systemic and structural-analytical approaches, generalization, synthesis, comparative analysis, analysis of documents.The evolution of relations between Russia and India in the Arctic is considered. The strategic interests of India in the studying region are highlighted, including scientific, environmental, economic and geopolitical. The existing contacts between states are systematized by area. In total, 5 areas of cooperation between the countries have been identified: in the field of mining in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation; on the development of the Northern Sea Route and infrastructure along it; in the scientific, technical and social spheres, as well as within the framework of the environmental direction. New relevant directions for potential partnership of the two countries in the Russian Arctic have been formed based on the studied strategic documents of Russia and India devoted to policy in the Arctic region, concluded bilateral agreements between the governments and businesses of the two countries, as well as the national interests of Russia and India in the Arctic.Cooperation between Russia and India in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation is at the initial stage. Agreements have been concluded, but actual activities aren’t carried out. The only areas in which measures are actually being implemented are the search and development of hydrocarbon raw materials. Thus, contracts have been concluded between Russian and Indian companies for the supply of Russian oil and natural gas. Also, Indian business has shares in Russian mining companies and so it is as an investor. India’s financial assistance for the development of the Northern Sea Route and its infrastructure was only declared by the Indian side. In the scientific, technical, social and environmental spheres, Norway is India’s main partner. Although there is potential for cooperation between Russia and India in these areas and, we hope, will be realized in the near future.

Keywords

• arctic
• partnership
• northern sea route
• hydrocarbons
• indigenous peoples of the north
• renewable energy sources