Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin during the India-Russia Business Forum in New Delhi on December 5, 2025. Photo credit: narendramodi.in via PTI.
India and Russia have committed to “regular bilateral consultations” on “Arctic-related issues” and welcomed the progress made in multilateral bilateral cooperation on the Northern Sea Route, according to a joint statement after the India-Russia summit on Friday (December 5, 2025).
India had a scientific interest in the Arctic region even before its existence as an independent country when the British government signed the Svalbard Treaty in 1920. While Norway has gained sovereignty over the Svalbard archipelago, it also allows citizens and companies from the 48 signatory countries equal rights to conduct non-military, commercial and scientific activities, such as hunting, fishing and banning mining on military bases.
Arctic exploration
In 2007, New Delhi launched its first scientific expedition in the Arctic and established Himadri, its first Arctic base on Svalbard. Indian scientists monitored Arctic glaciers for their mass balance and compared them with glaciers in the Himalayan region. India has also been actively involved in studies related to Arctic oceanography, atmosphere, pollution and microbiology. More than 25 institutes and universities are currently involved in Arctic research in India.
Since 2007, about one hundred peer-reviewed articles have been published on Arctic issues. There are 13 observers in the Arctic Council: France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, China, Poland, India, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
In 2014 and 2016, India’s first multi-sensor moored observatory at Kongsfjorden and the northernmost atmospheric laboratory at Gruvebadet, Ny Alesund were launched in the Arctic region. By 2022, India has successfully conducted thirteen expeditions to the Arctic. With global warming accelerating the melting of polar ice, large-scale geological changes are expected in the future, allowing for the opening of new sea lanes as well as the potential for minerals and metals.
The second site of the nuclear power plant
India and Russia have also pledged to expand cooperation in the nuclear energy sector, including fuel cycle and life cycle support for the operation of the Kudankulam nuclear power plant, construction of the remaining nuclear units at the site, as well as equipment and fuel delivery schedules. Two 1,000 MW units are already in operation and the remaining four 1,000 MW units are under construction. The full capacity of the 6,000 MW Kudankulam site is expected to be reached by 2027.
The countries also agreed to “further discuss” another nuclear power plant, with India saying it would “pursue” the allocation of a second site in line with previously signed agreements. The two countries also agreed to speed up technical and commercial negotiations on Russian VVER (Vodo-Vodyanoi Energetichesky Reaktor) nuclear reactors for the design, research and joint development of nuclear power plants.
The two countries also welcomed the “enhanced partnership” between the Indian Space Research Organization and Russia’s state space corporation Roskosmos in the use of space for peaceful purposes, including programs for spaceflight, satellite navigation, planetary exploration and rocket engine development.
Published – 05 Dec 2025 21:10 IST
