2024-03-12 20:19:11
Moscow: Trade in the Red and Arabian Sea regions has been hit hard due to tensions between Yemen’s Houthis and the US-led multinational naval coalition. In such a situation, the demand for an alternative route connecting Asia to Europe has increased in recent times. Most of the powerful countries in the world have deployed warships to protect their maritime transport, but this may not be a viable option for the smooth functioning of trade. Meanwhile, strategic affairs analyst retired Major General Shashi Bhushan Asthana has said that India is actively working with Russia on the Northern Sea Route (NSR) as New Delhi plans to use it for trade purposes with Europe. Is making.
Putin had appealed to friendly countries
Retired Major General Asthana’s statement came hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin urged foreign countries to work in partnership with Moscow to transform the NSR into a global transport corridor. “We invite foreign logistics companies and states to use the opportunities of the Northern Sea Route – a global transport corridor –,” Putin said in an address to the nation at the Russian Federal Assembly on Thursday. Last year, 36 million tonnes “Cargo passed through the Northern Sea Route – this is five times more than the already record figure from the times of the Soviet Union.”
Why is the Northern Sea Route important?
The Northern Sea Route is an important route, connecting the eastern and western parts of the Arctic Ocean, compared to the Suez Canal corridor that connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea. Major General Asthana said that in view of the disruption that has occurred in the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, there is an urgent need for an alternative route. The only problem with the NSR is icebergs. This path completely freezes during winter. Breaking icebergs requires very strong ice-breaking ships and Russia has no shortage of nuclear-powered ice breaker fleets.
Russian ice breaker ship’s role increased
Asthana said the route is generally available from July to November and if one wants to use it throughout the year, it requires a Russian nuclear-powered ice-breaker. So, it definitely provides an option for Southeast Asian countries as well as South Asian countries. He said, “Since the NSR will be a short route to the West, all these countries are set to benefit as the Russians are now looking to expand their economic reach in Asia. Following Russia’s special military operation, the Eurasian country’s influence on the Asian continent Oil export has increased significantly. In such a situation, it can benefit all the countries.