Since mid-2024, the operationalization of the Eastern Maritime Corridor, a new sea route from Chennai to Vladivostok, has significantly reduced shipping time and transportation costs between India and Russia.
This new route spans approximately 5,600 nautical miles, cutting transit time to 24 days compared to over 40 days on the traditional Mumbai-St Petersburg route. The route has facilitated enhanced trade of commodities such as crude oil, coal, LNG, fertilizers, and containerized cargo.
India surpassed China as the largest buyer of Russian oil in July 2024, with the new shipping corridor aiding the efficient transport of Russian crude such as the medium-sour Urals grade.
The shift aligns with strategic objectives beyond energy trade, including military cooperation and geopolitical partnerships. The route leverages eastern Indian ports including Chennai, Paradip, Visakhapatnam, Tuticorin, Ennore, and Kolkata to handle diverse cargo types.
India’s deeper engagement with Russia via this corridor is enhancing bilateral trade efficiency and reinforcing strategic ties.
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