Dikson, a Mudyug-class Russian diesel-powered icebreaker. (Photo via Creative Commons)
New Delhi: Russia is exploring opportunities to collaborate with Indian shipyards for the construction of four non-nuclear icebreaking ships, intended for its state-owned nuclear energy corporation, Rosatom. This strategic move stems from western sanctions on Russia, which have restricted Moscow’s access to advanced shipbuilding technologies from western nations.
These sanctions, related to Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine, have forced Moscow to turn to countries like India for assistance in key projects. According to a statement by a Russian minister last week, India has proposed joint production of the non-nuclear icebreakers in its shipyards.
Alexey Chekunkov, who heads Russia’s Far East and Arctic development ministry, shared this information during an interview with Sputnik, a Russian media outlet, at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok.
Prior to the interview, Chekunkov had engaged in talks with an Indian business delegation attending the EEF, Sputnik reported.
The icebreaking ships are critical to Russia’s ambitions of expanding its use of the Northern Sea Route (NSR), a key maritime corridor through the Arctic. By 2030, Russia aims to transport at least 150 million tonnes of cargo annually via this route. This will require the country to have a fleet of over 50 icebreakers and ice-class vessels.
These four India-made icebreakers are expected to join Rosatom’s icebreaking fleet, operating in the NSR, which offers a quicker transit route between Northern Europe and East Asia compared to the conventional Suez Canal route.
The vessels will be crucial for maintaining and expanding Russia's Arctic presence, enabling year-round navigation along the NSR., supporting the transport of vital commodities such as oil, coal, and liquefied natural gas (LNG), potentially to Indian ports.
India has emerged as a preferred partner for this project, partly due to its growing shipbuilding capabilities and strong diplomatic ties with Russia. The contract, valued at over ₹6,000 crore (approximately $750 million), is seen as a major boost for India’s shipbuilding sector.
Discussions are ongoing with a state-owned and a private shipyard in India to finalize the specifics of the construction project.
This development also represents a significant milestone in India-Russia cooperation, which further solidifies their strategic partnership. Russia’s reliance on India for such an important project underscores the deepening of bilateral ties, especially in light of Russia’s strained relations with the west.
Observers view Russia’s decision to choose India over other potential partners, such as China, reflects the mutual trust and cooperation between the two countries. The project is expected to encourage innovation and collaboration within the domestic shipbuilding industry, which will further enhance India’s capabilities in the defence and maritime sectors.
Additionally, this partnership will also position India as an emerging player in Arctic affairs.
