Prime Minister Narendra Modi today met with Mr. Nikolai Patrushev, Assistant to the Russian President and Chairman of the Russian Maritime Board. During this meeting, the two leaders held in-depth and positive discussions on further strengthening bilateral cooperation in the maritime sector. Sharing information about the meeting on the social media platform X, PM Modi wrote, "I was delighted to meet Mr. Nikolai Patrushev, Assistant to the Russian President and Chairman of the Maritime Board. We had a very useful discussion on cooperation in the maritime sector, with a special focus on new opportunities for cooperation in connectivity, skill development, shipbuilding, and the blue economy."There was agreement to promote maritime connectivity between the two countries. In particular, there was extensive discussion on further strengthening the Chennai-Vladivostok Maritime Corridor and making Russia's Northern Sea Route useful for global trade. This will provide India with the shortest and most cost-effective sea route between Europe and Asia. There was also agreement to launch new maritime skill development and training programs for Indian youth. Plans to train Indian youth at Russia's advanced shipping and port management training centers were discussed, which will create skilled human resources in India. Emphasis was also placed on expanding technical cooperation in the field of shipbuilding and ship repair. India intends to strengthen its shipyards using Russia's cutting-edge technology to accelerate the construction of large commercial vessels and warships under the "Make in India" initiative.Sustainable maritime development and responsible resource use under the Blue Economy were also discussed in detail. Both countries are keen to work together in the areas of marine environmental protection, fisheries, exploitation of marine mineral resources, and renewable marine energy. This meeting complements India's SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) policy and Russia's Arctic development strategy. Growing maritime cooperation between the two countries will not only strengthen trade and defense, but also lay the foundation for a new strategic partnership in the Indo-Pacific and Arctic regions.
