The Sea Route from Chennai to Vladivostok

The sea route aims to improve bilateral and trade relations between India and Russia. During his visit to Vladivostok in 2019, Prime Minister Modi signed a Memorandum Of Intent with Russia. The plan is to open a functioning port between Chennai and Vladivostok, both being port cities located on the eastern side of their respective countries.

In the Russian language “Vladivostok” means the rulers of the east. It is located on the golden horn bay and is very close to Russia’s border with China. It is the largest port on the Pacific coast and is the host of Russia’s navy fleet pacific wing.

Geographical significance

Vladivostok is the eastern most end of the famous trans-Siberian railways. Trans-Siberian railways connect the eastern side of Russia to the capital Moscow. The railways also connect the region to western countries. The port in Vladivostok has activities related to shipping and commercial-scale fishing. Most of the imports in the port are vehicles that are then transported to the other parts of Russia.

To reach Chennai from Vladivostok a ship will have to sail in the southward direction. The ship will pass through the Sea of Japan and the Strait of Malacca. The ship will then come into the Bay of Bengal and move past Andaman and Nicobar to reach Chennai. Chennai has been a famous port city in India since ancient times. This new travel route makes it possible to reach Chennai from Vladivostok in 10-12 days if the ship is travelling at an average speed of 20-25 knots. Even if the ship is slowing down to save fuel the distance can be covered in 12-13 days.

Tirunelveli, a coastal district in Tamil Nadu India is building a nuclear power plant. This project is in collaboration with Russia. The new sea route is expected to make the project faster and more efficient.

The trade will also expand India’s trade relations between the two nations. The new sea route is also to help increase India’s presence in the pacific region and in the south china sea that Beijing is currently dominating the region.

The Indian prime minister also commented that the relationship between the two countries shouldn’t be limited to the capital. India and Russia’s trade relations have been affected by the lack of connectivity between the two countries. The new sea route will also reduce the time taken to make cargo shipments from India to Russia to 24 days from 40 days.

The proposed maritime route can counter the influence of China’s Maritime Silk Route which is under the Border Road Initiative [BRI]. Russia plans to counter Chinese influence in the region, especially since three is Chinese population settlements in the region increasing.

India was one of the first countries to have a consulate in Vladivostok in 1992. Vladivostok is rich in natural resources like coal, diamonds, and precious metals like platinum, tin, tungsten and gold. The port city is also rich in oil and gas.

Narendra Modi is the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the far east region of Russia. He also attends the Eastern Economic Forum [EEF].

Conclusion

The new sea route from Chennai to Vladivostok is about 10,300 km long and connects the eastern port cities of India and Russia. The route has three main aims: to improve trade relations between Russia and China, Counter China’s influence in the pacific region and improve the nuclear project in Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu. Vladivostok is rich in natural resources like coal, diamonds, and precious metals like platinum, tin, tungsten and gold. The port city is also rich in oil and gas. Narendra Modi is the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the far east region of Russia. He also attended the Eastern Economic Forum [EEF].