India can stabilize geopolitical rifts in Arctic – Moscow 

Russian Ambassador Denis Alipov has called for broader cooperation between the two nations in the High North

Russia has lauded India’s growing interest in and constructive approach towards the Arctic, highlighting the country as a stabilising factor amid rising geopolitical tensions in the region. Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov on Thursday stressed the potential for collaboration between Moscow and New Delhi in scientific research, economic development, and polar navigation.

Alipov told a bilateral conference on cooperation in Arctic, organised by Russia’s  North Forum and India’s leading think tank Vivekananda Foundation, that “Russia sees India’s interest in increasing its presence in the Arctic as a stabilising factor. We view India as a strategic partner in the joint development of the Arctic area and coordinated scientific, environmental, and commercial efforts.” 

Climate change has opened new avenues for economic activities, including shipping and resource extraction, making the Arctic a key area for international cooperation and competition, the ambassador said. However, he cautioned that NATO’s growing military activity in the Arctic has escalated tensions, affecting regional security.

Alipov noted that NATO countries’ activities have negatively impacted the Arctic Council, a key governance forum for Arctic affairs, which has been largely inactive since 2022. “In contrast to their hostile approach, we value India’s constructive approach in the Arctic Council since its accession as an observer in 2013,”  he said.

???????????????? On March 20, #Russia’n Ambassador to #India Denis Alipov addressed the international conference "Uniting #North & #South for Sustainable Development in the #Arctic" jointly organized by the Northern Forum and @vifindia.

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— Russia in India ???????? (@RusEmbIndia) March 20, 2025

India’s Deputy National Security Advisor Pavan Kapoor, warned the conference of “great risks of damage to the delicate Arctic ecosystem.” 

“The claims for resources and territorial claims have to be managed carefully, the fact that there are geopolitical tensions in the Arctic don’t make it easier. We hope that things will improve becuase there is a great potential for many countries,” Kapoor stated. 

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He pointed out that New Delhi sees multiple tangible benefits through operations in the Arctic. For example, the Northern Sea Route through the Arctic Ocean, linking Europe to Asia, could help India reduce the cost of energy and other vital commodities, said Kapoor, who also served as Ambassador to Russia from 2021 to 2024.

Moscow and New Delhi have been engaging in scientific collaboration in the region, which includes research on climate change, atmospheric and geosciences, glaciology, and polar biology. Indian scientists, for instance, are currently investigating how Arctic climate patterns influence monsoons in South Asia. Additionally, both countries are exploring joint ventures for extracting Arctic resources, particularly energy deposits and rare earth elements. In 2024, the two nations signed a memorandum of cooperation to enhance scientific research in the Arctic.

Alipov noted that Indian firms are considering investments in projects led by Russian energy giants such as NOVATEK and Gazpromneft, particularly in the Dolginsky oil field and the Vostok oil cluster, in collaboration with Rosneft. 

Further potential sits with the Yamal LNG and Arctic LNG-2 projects. Russia has also welcomed India’s growing expertise in polar navigation and ice-class vessel construction. As part of their cooperation, Moscow has offered to train Indian seafarers in navigating the Arctic’s challenging waters.