Putin and Modi to collaborate in the Arctic

India is strengthening its presence in the Arctic Circle through a new partnership with Russia, where President Vladimir Putin is deploying military assets, including nuclear weapons and submarines. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi signed a military pact with Putin, granting India access to Russian naval bases along the Arctic Corridor, a key route linking Europe and Asia.

The agreement also includes training for Indian naval personnel to operate in polar conditions, enhancing collaboration in a region poised to become a major geopolitical frontier. The deal was finalized during Putins two-day state visit to India, amidst US calls for nations to reduce ties with Russia. Putin highlighted that the partnership would create new logistical routes across the Arctic to solidify bilateral ties.

Before the visit, the Russian parliament ratified the Reciprocal Exchange of Logistics Support (Relos) agreement. This pact allows India to use Russian ports along the Northern Sea Route (NSR), from Vladivostok to Murmansk, and facilitates the transfer of ships, aircraft, and forces, ensuring mutual operational support.

Speaking alongside Modi, Putin emphasized that collaboration on the NSR, the International North-South Transport Corridor, and the Chennai-Vladivostok Maritime Corridor will expand under the new agreement. The initiative reflects over a decade of strategic planning between Russian and Indian defense experts to navigate the Arctics increasingly accessible waters.

Russias Northern Fleet and parts of its nuclear arsenal are stationed on the Kola Peninsula, and Moscow aims to secure full naval control of the Arctic to protect key shipping lanes from Western influence. For India, the partnership offers a way to diversify defense and trade routes while countering external pressure.

The Relos agreement opens pathways from Chennais warm waters to the Arctic, potentially reducing shipping times between northern Europe and the Indo-Pacific by up to 40 percent. This could provide reliable alternatives to routes like the Suez Canal, especially amid rising geopolitical tensions.

During the visit, Modi personally welcomed Putin at the air force airport, and the leaders traveled together to the prime ministers residence for a private dinner. Bilateral trade reached nearly 52 billion in 2024-25, heavily favoring Russia. Moscow has encouraged greater Asian engagement in the Arctic following the withdrawal of European and American firms due to sanctions, with India gradually expanding its presence in the region.

Putin stressed that the partnership is not aimed against any country and reaffirmed a commitment to a multipolar world. Indian officials described the relationship as one of the most consistent in recent history, extending beyond military, nuclear, and space cooperation.

The India-Russia connection has deep historical roots, with long-standing cooperation in defense and energy. This visit marks Putins first to India since the Ukraine conflict, occurring amid continued US pressure on India to reduce Russian energy imports. Reports indicate India has secured a $2 billion submarine deal with Russia, with deliveries expected within two years. Despite sanctions, Putin assured uninterrupted fuel shipments to India, reinforcing the strategic and economic dimensions of the partnership.

Author: Gavin Porter