The much-anticipated Chennai-Vladivostok maritime corridor is now operational, marking a new chapter in India-Russia trade relations. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced on Monday that container ships carrying crude oil, metals, and textiles have begun arriving at Indian ports through this new route. The sea corridor, covering a distance of about 5,600 nautical miles, is set to enhance maritime connectivity between India and Russia’s Far East region.
Faster trade and reduced shipping time
Dubbed the Eastern Maritime Corridor, this route significantly reduces the time needed to transport goods between Indian and Russian ports. Minister Sonowal talked about the benefits of this new route, stating, “The Eastern Maritime Corridor between Vladivostok and Chennai is operational now.
Container ships carrying crude oil, metal, and textiles have started coming to Indian ports.”
The corridor is expected to cut cargo transportation time by up to 16 days. Currently, it takes over 40 days to ship goods from India to Far East Russia via Europe. With the new route, this time will be slashed to just 24 days, providing a faster and more efficient trade link. In comparison, the traditional Mumbai to St. Petersburg route covers 8,675 nautical miles and requires around 35-40 days for transportation. A large container ship cruising at speeds of 20-25 knots (37-46 km/h) will now be able to reach its destination in just 10-12 days, unlocking new trade opportunities.
Vladivostok: A strategic gateway
Vladivostok, Russia’s largest port on the Pacific Ocean, plays a crucial role in this new maritime corridor. The port is strategically located just 50 kilometres from the China-Russia border, further enhancing its significance for regional trade. By leveraging Vladivostok’s position, India and Russia are set to deepen their maritime ties and explore new avenues for economic collaboration.
India and Greece to strengthen maritime cooperation
On the sidelines of the Sagarmanthan event, Sarbananda Sonowal also held a bilateral meeting with Christos Stylianides, the Greek Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy. The two leaders discussed enhancing maritime relations and agreed to double trade from the current USD 1.94 billion by 2030. “India is working with Greece to expand economic cooperation with the European Union market,” Sonowal shared after the meeting.
The ministers talked about the importance of the Joint Working Group (JWG) on maritime and shipping issues as a key mechanism for sector-specific cooperation. They also agreed on using strategic maritime assets to promote sustainable development, aiming to deepen ties between their countries further.
