India eyes first cargo ship along Arctic Route to Russia - why it matters

In an important move, India may look to send its first cargo ship via the Northern Sea Route (NSR) to Russia next year. Russia’s Arkhangelsk region has held discussions with New Delhi on ways to tap the route’s economic potential.Aleksandr Tsybulsky, governor of the Arkhangelsk region, said the NSR, also referred to as the Arctic Route, is assuming a new level of importance for India. He made the remarks in an interview with RT, the state-funded news television network, on the sidelines of the ‘Arctic – Regions’ Forum held last week, where India was a key partner.According to Tsybulsky, India sees “huge possibilities” in using the route.Why is the Northern Sea Route important?