Russia has expressed interest in India’s proposal to produce non-nuclear icebreakers at Indian shipyards as part of a joint venture with India. This information was disclosed on September 13 by Alexei Chekunkov, the director of the Eastern Development Ministry for the Russian Federation. He spoke with RIA Novosti at the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF).
After having conversations with a delegation from India, the minister revealed that the discussions that are currently being done started in March of this year. Following his invitation, India’s Minister of Ports and Shipping travelled to Russia. This is the first time that the Indian minister has travelled to Russia. The training of personnel for Arctic navigation is something that India is interested in. According to him, India has reportedly recommended to the Russians that they work together on the joint construction of non-nuclear icebreakers at Indian shipyards, and the Russians are currently evaluating this suggestion.
According to him, all matters of strategic importance to Russia must be approached from a comprehensive standpoint, including the organisation of cooperative transportation, which should include container lines.
He made the point that this calls for diversifying the two countries’ bilateral trade and shipbuilding, and he mentioned that India is home to several shipyards.
In addition, the minister declared that he would assist in arranging a conversation between Russian shipbuilders and Indian industry representatives.
He informed the news agency that India and the United Shipbuilding Corporation had already conducted such negotiations. Chekunkov said that due to the recent leadership transition in India, the Russians will make it easier for shipbuilders in our country to communicate with their counterparts in the Indian industry.
As per Chekunkov, agreements have also been achieved with the Indian side about establishing a system for comprehensive dialogue between India and Russia and the “Rosatom” corporation on the issue of Arctic cooperation and the development of the Northern Sea Route. In addition, he stated that agreements have been reached with the Indian side regarding establishing a mechanism for comprehensive dialogue between India and Russia.
