India and Russia are considering exploring the possibility&nbsp;of using alternative transport routes, including the Northern Sea Route and Eastern Maritime Corridor (EMC), to enhance maritime cooperation.

In a statement, India's Ports, Shipping, and Waterways minister, Sarbananda Sonowal said that the decision was reached during a meeting with Moscow's Development of the Far East and Arctic minister, AO Chekunkov, in Vladivostok, Russia.

<h2>The meeting's achievements</h2>

In addition to the exploration of new trade routes, the two nations agreed to train Indian seafarers in polar and arctic waters at the Russian Maritime Training Institute. The institute, as per the Reuters report, offers advanced simulator facilities.

Furthermore, both India and Russia expressed their commitment to strengthening their strategic cooperation in various sectors, emphasising their enduring partnership.&nbsp;

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"We remain committed to maintaining strong ties (with Russia) and fostering strategic cooperation across various sectors," said the Indian minister in a statement.

"The operationalisation of the Eastern Maritime Corridor (EMC) will usher in a new era of trade relationship between India and Russia," said Sonowal.

Chekunkov stated that Russia seeks to "develop relations with Indian partners in the Far East in all areas of mutual interest."

As per a statement from India's shipping ministry, Sonowal extended an invitation to an Indo-Russian workshop on the Eastern Maritime Corridor (EMC).

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"Sonowal was addressing the session aimed at forging possibilities for early operationalisation of the EMC as an alternative trade route between the Russian port city of Vladivostok and the Indian port city of Chennai. The workshop is proposed to take place from 30 October to 1 November 2023 in Chennai, India," said the shipping ministry.

This corridor is projected to significantly reduce the transit time between Indian and Russian ports in the Far East Region, potentially by up to 40 per cent, from the current 40 days to 24 days.

<h2>India &amp; Russia's long-standing ties</h2>

Despite the more than year-long, ongoing war Russia has waged on its neighbour Ukraine, India has maintained a close relationship with Russia.&nbsp;

As per reports,&nbsp;trade between the two nations has reached record-high levels, and Indian imports of Russian oil have contributed significantly to this increase.

(With inputs from agencies)

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India and Russia are considering exploring the possibility of using alternative transport routes, including the Northern Sea Route and Eastern Maritime Corridor (EMC), to enhance maritime cooperation.

India and Russia are considering exploring the possibility of using alternative transport routes, including the Northern Sea Route and Eastern Maritime Corridor (EMC), to enhance maritime cooperation. In a statement, India's Ports, Shipping, and Waterways minister, Sarbananda Sonowal said that the decision was reached during a meeting with Moscow's Development of the Far East and Arctic minister, AO Chekunkov, in Vladivostok, Russia. The meeting's achievements In addition to the exploration of new trade routes, the two nations agreed to train Indian seafarers in polar and arctic waters at the Russian Maritime Training Institute. The institute, as per the Reuters report, offers advanced simulator facilities. Furthermore, both India and Russia expressed their commitment to strengthening their strategic cooperation in various sectors, emphasising their enduring partnership. Also read | Russia's 'massive' drone attacks damaged infra at ports of Danube region, claims Ukraine "We remain committed to maintaining strong ties (with Russia) and fostering strategic cooperation across various sectors," said the Indian minister in a statement. "The operationalisation of the Eastern Maritime Corridor (EMC) will usher in a new era of trade relationship between India and Russia," said Sonowal. Chekunkov stated that Russia seeks to "develop relations with Indian partners in the Far East in all areas of mutual interest." As per a statement from India's shipping ministry, Sonowal extended an invitation to an Indo-Russian workshop on the Eastern Maritime Corridor (EMC). Also read | The truth about UFOs: NASA's to unveil important report on UAPs. Here's how you can watch it live "Sonowal was addressing the session aimed at forging possibilities for early operationalisation of the EMC as an alternative trade route between the Russian port city of Vladivostok and the Indian port city of Chennai. The workshop is proposed to take place from 30 October to 1 November 2023 in Chennai, India," said the shipping ministry. This corridor is projected to significantly reduce the transit time between Indian and Russian ports in the Far East Region, potentially by up to 40 per cent, from the current 40 days to 24 days. India & Russia's long-standing ties Despite the more than year-long, ongoing war Russia has waged on its neighbour Ukraine, India has maintained a close relationship with Russia. As per reports, trade between the two nations has reached record-high levels, and Indian imports of Russian oil have contributed significantly to this increase. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India and Russia to explore new maritime routes for trade expansion

India and Russia have agreed to boost their defence ties, said a statement by the Indian government after the defence ministers from both countries held bilateral talks on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ meeting in New Delhi, on Friday (April 28).&nbsp;

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu also discussed, “wide-ranging issues of bilateral defence cooperation, including military-to-military ties as well as industrial partnership,” said the Indian government, in a statement, following the meeting.&nbsp;

Notably, India is one of the biggest importers of defence equipment from Russia and has reportedly bought nearly half its military supplies fighter jets, tanks, nuclear submarines and an aircraft carrier over the decades.&nbsp;

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The two ministers also acknowledged “the unique, long-lasting and time-tested relationship between India and Russia,” a brief statement from the Indian government read.&nbsp;

It added, “They expressed satisfaction over the continued trust and mutual respect between the two countries, particularly in defence and reiterated their commitment towards strengthening the partnership.”&nbsp;

India has also garnered criticism from several Western countries for buying Russian oil at a lower price as the United States and its allies attempt to isolate Moscow following its invasion of Ukraine.

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However, New Delhi has since responded to criticism and said that it is defending its interests.&nbsp;While New Delhi has not condemned Moscow for its actions yet, it has called for a diplomatic solution to the conflict.&nbsp;

Russian participation in ‘Make in India’?

The statement also said that the two ministers, “discussed the Russian defence industry’s participation in the ‘Make in India’ initiative and ways to provide further impetus to it.”&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-slams-philippines-over-near-collission-of-vessels-in-south-china-sea-manila-responds-586964">China slams Philippines over near-collission of vessels in South China sea, Manila responds</a>

Make in India is a flagship program of the Government of India to encourage “facilitate investment, foster innovation, enhance skill development, and build best-in-class manufacturing infrastructure.” It was launched with the aim to increase global manufacturing and investment in India.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

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India and Russia have agreed to boost their defence ties, said a statement by the Indian government after the defence ministers from both countries held bilateral talks on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ meeting in New Delhi, on Friday (April 28).

India and Russia have agreed to boost their defence ties, said a statement by the Indian government after the defence ministers from both countries held bilateral talks on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ meeting in New Delhi, on Friday (April 28). Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu also discussed, “wide-ranging issues of bilateral defence cooperation, including military-to-military ties as well as industrial partnership,” said the Indian government, in a statement, following the meeting. Notably, India is one of the biggest importers of defence equipment from Russia and has reportedly bought nearly half its military supplies fighter jets, tanks, nuclear submarines and an aircraft carrier over the decades. ALSO READ | China and Russia ink maritime cooperation deal in the Arctic The two ministers also acknowledged “the unique, long-lasting and time-tested relationship between India and Russia,” a brief statement from the Indian government read. It added, “They expressed satisfaction over the continued trust and mutual respect between the two countries, particularly in defence and reiterated their commitment towards strengthening the partnership.” India has also garnered criticism from several Western countries for buying Russian oil at a lower price as the United States and its allies attempt to isolate Moscow following its invasion of Ukraine. ALSO WATCH | SCO meet : Chinese defence minister in India amid border tensions However, New Delhi has since responded to criticism and said that it is defending its interests. While New Delhi has not condemned Moscow for its actions yet, it has called for a diplomatic solution to the conflict. Russian participation in ‘Make in India’? The statement also said that the two ministers, “discussed the Russian defence industry’s participation in the ‘Make in India’ initiative and ways to provide further impetus to it.” ALSO READ | China slams Philippines over near-collission of vessels in South China sea, Manila responds Make in India is a flagship program of the Government of India to encourage “facilitate investment, foster innovation, enhance skill development, and build best-in-class manufacturing infrastructure.” It was launched with the aim to increase global manufacturing and investment in India. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

New Delhi, Moscow to boost defence ties, increase Russia's participation in ‘Make in India’

United State officials have said that Washington is not planning to sanction India for importing energy from Russia. In a briefing with reporters, US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Karen Donfried said that "we are not looking to sanction India. Our partnership with India is one of the most consequential relationships".&nbsp;

The comments come even as Ukrainian lawmakers want sanctions on India for importing energy from Russia. Remember, India has substantially increased its import of Russian oil since the Ukraine conflict began in February last year.&nbsp;

Another US official present in the briefing, US Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources Geoffrey Pyatt said that "implementation of a global price cap on energy as an opportunity for countries like India".

Pyatt stated that India has used the "negotiating leverage" it gains from the price cap and the "fact that a large part of the global market is not accessible to Russia to secure a lower price on crude oil" which is a benefit for the Indian economy.&nbsp;

Both Donfried and Pyatt emphasised that New Delhi and Washington are pursuing the energy security agenda, particularly in light of Russian President Vladimir Putin's strategy of "weaponising" Russia's oil and gas resources.&nbsp;

On the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Pyatt said that the US and India share a "commitment to uphold the international rules-based order and respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty" in the backdrop of the conflict in Europe that started last February and will mark one year later this month.&nbsp;

Donfried also welcomed India's support for the people of Ukraine, including the country's provision of humanitarian assistance and calls for an immediate end to Russia's unprovoked war against Ukraine. She praised India's leadership role at the recent G20 summit, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for dialogue and diplomacy.

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United State officials have said that Washington is not planning to sanction India for importing energy from Russia. In a briefing with reporters, US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Karen Donfried said that "we are not looking to sanction India.

United State officials have said that Washington is not planning to sanction India for importing energy from Russia. In a briefing with reporters, US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Karen Donfried said that "we are not looking to sanction India. Our partnership with India is one of the most consequential relationships". The comments come even as Ukrainian lawmakers want sanctions on India for importing energy from Russia. Remember, India has substantially increased its import of Russian oil since the Ukraine conflict began in February last year. Another US official present in the briefing, US Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources Geoffrey Pyatt said that "implementation of a global price cap on energy as an opportunity for countries like India". Pyatt stated that India has used the "negotiating leverage" it gains from the price cap and the "fact that a large part of the global market is not accessible to Russia to secure a lower price on crude oil" which is a benefit for the Indian economy. Both Donfried and Pyatt emphasised that New Delhi and Washington are pursuing the energy security agenda, particularly in light of Russian President Vladimir Putin's strategy of "weaponising" Russia's oil and gas resources. On the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Pyatt said that the US and India share a "commitment to uphold the international rules-based order and respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty" in the backdrop of the conflict in Europe that started last February and will mark one year later this month. Donfried also welcomed India's support for the people of Ukraine, including the country's provision of humanitarian assistance and calls for an immediate end to Russia's unprovoked war against Ukraine. She praised India's leadership role at the recent G20 summit, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for dialogue and diplomacy. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US: No sanctions on India for Russian energy imports

Moscow has offered India steep discounts on the direct sales of oil as per a report published in Bloomberg.

To lure India to lift more shipments, Russia is offering its flagship Urals grade to India at discounts of as much as $35 a barrel on prices before it invaded Ukraine.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov arrived in Delhi late Thursday from China. "We appreciate that India is taking this situation in the entirety of facts and not just in a one-sided way," Lavrov said in his opening remarks during a meeting with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.

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India has also contracted to buy sunflower oil from Russia at a record high price after supplies from Ukraine stopped due to the war.

It has abstained from UN resolutions censuring Moscow and continues to buy Russian oil from its "longstanding and time-tested friend" and biggest supplier of arms.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/russia-ukraine-conflict-india-cant-take-stand-there-is-pressure-sergey-lavrov-467373" hreflang="en">Russia-Ukraine conflict | India can't take stand, there is pressure: Lavrov</a>

India and Russia are working on a rupee-ruble mechanism to facilitate trade and get around Western sanctions on Russian banks, according to media reports.

Russia has written to India's defence ministry requesting clearance of payments worth $1.3 billion that have been halted since last month, according to the Economic Times newspaper.

"India's intake of Russian oil has been very small for many, many years," said Vandana Hari, founder of oil market analysis provider Vanda Insights in Singapore.&nbsp;

"So the refineries are not configured to buy a lot of Russian oil."

India's foreign minister S Jaishankar has hit out at concerns being raised over India buying Russian oil, saying that “it’s like a campaign on this issue”.

Defending India’s position, Jaishankar said, “When oil prices go up it is natural for countries to go out into the market and look for what are the good deals for their people. I am pretty sure if we wait two or three months, and actually look at who are the big buyers of Russian gas and oil, I suspect the list will not be very different from what it used to be, and I suspect we won’t be on the top 10 on that list.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Moscow has offered India steep discounts on the direct sales of oil as per a report published in Bloomberg. To lure India to lift more shipments, Russia is offering its flagship Urals grade to India at discounts of as much as $35 a barrel on prices before it invaded Ukraine.

Moscow has offered India steep discounts on the direct sales of oil as per a report published in Bloomberg. To lure India to lift more shipments, Russia is offering its flagship Urals grade to India at discounts of as much as $35 a barrel on prices before it invaded Ukraine. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov arrived in Delhi late Thursday from China. "We appreciate that India is taking this situation in the entirety of facts and not just in a one-sided way," Lavrov said in his opening remarks during a meeting with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. India has also contracted to buy sunflower oil from Russia at a record high price after supplies from Ukraine stopped due to the war. It has abstained from UN resolutions censuring Moscow and continues to buy Russian oil from its "longstanding and time-tested friend" and biggest supplier of arms. Also read | Russia-Ukraine conflict | India can't take stand, there is pressure: Lavrov India and Russia are working on a rupee-ruble mechanism to facilitate trade and get around Western sanctions on Russian banks, according to media reports. Russia has written to India's defence ministry requesting clearance of payments worth $1.3 billion that have been halted since last month, according to the Economic Times newspaper. "India's intake of Russian oil has been very small for many, many years," said Vandana Hari, founder of oil market analysis provider Vanda Insights in Singapore. "So the refineries are not configured to buy a lot of Russian oil." India's foreign minister S Jaishankar has hit out at concerns being raised over India buying Russian oil, saying that “it’s like a campaign on this issue”. Defending India’s position, Jaishankar said, “When oil prices go up it is natural for countries to go out into the market and look for what are the good deals for their people. I am pretty sure if we wait two or three months, and actually look at who are the big buyers of Russian gas and oil, I suspect the list will not be very different from what it used to be, and I suspect we won’t be on the top 10 on that list.” (With inputs from agencies)

India-Russia talks: Amid sanctions, Moscow offers India steep discounts on oil: Report