The recent meeting of the India-Russia working group on the Northern Sea Route (NSR) marks a significant step in enhancing cooperation in Arctic shipping.

Northern Sea Route (NSR)

The Northern Sea Route (NSR) is the shortest shipping route connecting Europe and the Asia-Pacific, spanning approximately 5,600 km through four Arctic seas.

• Route Details: It begins at the Kara Strait, between the Barents and Kara Seas, and ends at the Bering Strait.
• Benefits: The NSR can reduce transit distances by up to 50% compared to traditional routes like the Suez Canal, promoting faster cargo transit.

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About North Sea

• Geography: The North Sea, part of the Atlantic Ocean, is bordered by the UK and Norway to the west, Denmark to the south, and Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and France to the east.
  • It connects to the Atlantic via the English Channel and the Baltic Sea through the Kattegat and Skagerrak straits.
• Infrastructure: The Kiel Canal links the North Sea to the Baltic, and major rivers such as the Rhine and Thames drain into it, contributing to its significance.
• Economic Hub: Rotterdam is the busiest port in Europe, highlighting the region’s critical role in international trade.