Ajit Doval meets Russian maritime board chief Patrushev; Arctic corridor on agenda

India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval met Nikolai Patrushev, aide to the Russian President and chairman of Russia's Maritime Board, in Moscow on 29 May 2026. The discussion focused on maritime connectivity, shipbuilding cooperation, defence collaboration and the training of Indian sailors for operations in polar waters.

The two leaders reviewed the status of proposals that were first taken up when Patrushev visited New Delhi in November 2025. The most strategic item is the use of the Arctic route — also called the Northern Sea Route — as a new corridor between Asia and Europe. As Arctic sea ice retreats, the route is becoming usable for more months in the year and is being promoted by Moscow as an alternative to the traditional Suez Canal corridor.

For India, the Arctic route has three clear attractions. First, it can sharply cut shipping times between Indian ports and Europe by avoiding the longer Suez and Cape of Good Hope routes. Second, it offers access to Arctic oil, gas and mineral resources at a time when New Delhi is widening its energy supply base. Third, it reduces overdependence on global chokepoints such as the Strait of Hormuz and the Suez Canal, both of which have seen disruptions in recent months.

Doval is in Moscow to attend the first International Security Forum and the 14th Meeting of High Representatives for Security Matters. On 28 May 2026, he met Denis Manturov, First Deputy Prime Minister of Russia, and reviewed cooperation in defence, energy and space. The Russian side also organised a visit to the National Space Center and the Joint Industry Information Centre of Roscosmos, Russia's state space corporation.

On the sidelines of the forum, Doval also met Myanmar's National Security Adviser Tin Aung San. The talks covered security, defence and connectivity cooperation, and a review of regional developments. Coming days before the Myanmar President's visit to India, the meeting suggests close coordination between Delhi and Naypyidaw across multiple tracks.

India is also a permanent observer at the Arctic Council since 2013 and has a research station, Himadri, in Svalbard. New Delhi released its Arctic Policy in March 2022, which lists scientific research, climate, economic and human development, transportation and connectivity, governance, and capacity building as priority pillars. The Doval-Patrushev meeting fits into the connectivity and governance pillars of that policy.

For exam aspirants, the takeaway is that India is steadily building an Arctic strategy that combines science, energy security and trade. The Russia engagement helps reduce strategic vulnerabilities at sea while deepening a partnership that has long supported India's defence and energy needs.