Chennai–Vladivostok Maritime Corridor: An Analytical Assessment of Economic Viability and Strategic Implications in Indo‐Russian Connectivity
Dr. Amaan Anjum
Assistant Professor, Department of Commerce, Shia Post Graduate College, Lucknow, U.P., India
https://doi.org/10.47191/jefms/v8-i4-12ABSTRACT:
This paper undertakes a comprehensive analysis of the proposed Chennai–Vladivostok maritime corridor, positioning it at the crossroads of economic revitalization and strategic realignment in Indo–Russian relations. It examines historical precedents, the rationale for connectivity, and the interplay between geopolitical imperatives and economic incentives. Through an exploration of logistical challenges and infrastructural deficits, the paper underscores the corridor’s potential to shorten transit times, diversify trade routes, and serve as a catalyst for broader regional integration. Policy recommendations are provided to address identified challenges, thereby paving the way for enhanced bilateral cooperation and sustainable growth.
KEYWORDS:
Chennai–Vladivostok corridor, Indo–Russian connectivity, maritime trade, geopolitical strategy, infrastructure, economic integration
REFERENCES:
1) Bhagwat, J. (2020). Cooperation between Russia and India in the Arctic: A pipedream or a strategic necessity. Vestnik of Saint Petersburg University International Relations, 13(4), 488–506. https://doi.org/10.21638/spbu06.2020.405
2) GatewayHouse. (2024, February 22). Reviving the Chennai-Vladivostok Corridor - Gateway House. Gateway House. https://www.gatewayhouse.in/reviving-chennai-vladivostok-corridor/
3) India, Russia, and the Northern Sea Route: navigating a shifting strategic environment. (n.d.). @RSIS_NTU. https://rsis.edu.sg/rsis-publication/rsis/india-russia-and-the-northern-sea-route-navigating-a-shifting-strategicenvironment/
4) India, Russia explore maritime routes to unlock trade potential. (2023, September 14). Moneycontrol. https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/india-russia-maritime-routes-to-unlock-trade-potential11367471.html
5) India Today. (2023, September 14). India, Russia discuss maritime opportunities, new transport corridors. India Today. https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/india-russia-discuss-chennai-vladivostok-maritime-route-possibilities-newtransport-corridors-2435415-2023-09-14
6) Kapoor, N., Iyer, G., & Observer Research Foundation. (2020). East meets East: An assessment of the proposed ChennaiVladivostok Maritime Corridor. In ORF Occasional Paper (Report No. 286). Observer Research Foundation.
7) Mathew, L., & Sasi, A. (2024, December 16). New eastern route cuts down shipping time & costs, promises to boost IndiaRussia trade. The Indian Express. https://indianexpress.com/article/business/india-russia-trade-boost-new-easternroute-9726640/
8) MP-IDSA. (2025, March 5). Prospects for India–Russia Cooperation in the Arctic - MP-IDSA. https://www.idsa.in/publisher/issuebrief/prospects-for-india-russia-cooperation-in-the-arctic/
9) Online, I. (2019, September 6). Explained: The sea route from Chennai to Vladivostok. The Indian Express. https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-the-sea-route-from-chennai-to-vladivostok-5969578/
10) Peri, D. (2023, September 13). India, Russia exploring use of Northern Sea Route, Eastern Maritime Corridor. The Hindu. https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/india-russia-exploring-use-of-northern-sea-route-eastern-maritimecorridor/article67304566.ece
11) Peri, D. (2024, November 19). Chennai-Vladivostok eastern maritime corridor operational: Sonowal. The Hindu. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/chennai-vladivostok-eastern-maritime-corridor-operationalsonowal/article68882958.ece
12) Pimpalkhare, M. (2024, November 18). Vizag, Paradip ports to be connected to Chennai-Vladivostok trade route for oil and gas supply, union minister says. Mint. https://www.livemint.com/news/india/vizag-paradip-ports-chennaivladivostok-oil-gas-supply-sarabananda-sonowal-11731944124928.html
13) RT. (2024). Russia and India set to revitalize alternative shipping line. In RT India.
https://cdn-ceoca.s3.amazonaws.com/1ir3oevRussia%20and%20India%20set%20to%20 revitalize%20alternative%20shipping%20line% 20%E2%80%94%20RT%20India.pdf
14) Sharma, N. (2025, January 27). The Chennai-Vladivostok Maritime Corridor: A Game-Changer for Indo-Russian Relations —The Indo-Pacific Studies Center. The Indo-Pacific Studies Center. https://www.indopacificstudiescenter.org/commentaries/the-chennai-vladivostok-maritime-corridor-a-game-changer-for-indo-russianrelations 15) Singh, S. (2023). India, Russia, and the Northern Sea Route: navigating a shifting strategic environment. In RSIS Commentary.
16) Union Minister MoPSW Shri Sarbananda Sonowal. (n.d.). Maritime briefing.
17) Vasudevan, H. & Observer Research Foundation. (2020). India’s ‘Look Far East’: The Vladivostok moment in Indo-Russian relations. Observer Research Foundation, 249. https://www.orfonline.org/research/indias-look-far-east-the-vladivostokmoment-in-indo-russian-relations-64989/ (Original work published 2020)
18) Volodin, A. G., & Volodina, M. A. (2019). North–South International Transport Corridor Project as a factor for possible strengthening of Russia’s foreign economic relations. Outlines of Global Transformations Politics Economics Law, 12(6), 29–42. https://doi.org/10.23932/2542-0240-2019-12-6-2
