India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met Nikolai Patrushev, aide to the Russian President and chairman of Russia’s Maritime Board, in Moscow on May 29.
The two leaders reviewed the progress of proposals discussed during Patrushev’s visit to New Delhi in November 2025, focusing on maritime connectivity, shipbuilding cooperation, defence collaboration, and the training of sailors for operations in polar waters.
The meeting was significant from India's perspective as New Delhi is exploring new shipping routes for transporting energy resources such as oil and natural gas.
The Arctic route, which Moscow is promoting as an alternative trade corridor linking Asia and Europe, could reduce shipping times and strengthen India's access to Arctic resources and emerging trade networks.
It will also help diversify shipping corridors, reducing dependence on chokepoints such as the Suez Canal, Hormuz Strait.
They also exchanged views on key regional and global developments and reaffirmed the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation in strategic sectors.
