Russia, India Near NSR Cooperation Pact; Arctic Transit Push Continues

Russia's First Deputy PM Denis Manturov stated an intergovernmental memorandum with India on Northern Sea Route cooperation may be signed by year-end. This continues Russia's established effort to expand NSR usage amid Western sanctions, with India's interest tied to its maritime trade geography. The pact's timing and scope remain uncertain, but it signals deepening Russia-India economic alignment.