Chennai-Vladivostok maritime corridor: How 10,500 km long sea route is beneficial for India? Explained

During his recent two-day visit to Russia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the construction of the road sea route between Chennai and Vladivostak in Russia is underway. The announcement from the PM Modi came while speaking at a community program addressing Indian Diaspora living in Russia. 

He said, “Two years ago, the first commercial consignment also reached here from the North-South Transport Corridor...Now we are also working on Chennai-Vladivostok Eastern Maritime Corridor. Both our countries are discovering each other through Ganga Volga dialogue and civilization.”

All about Chennai-Vladostok Maritime Corridor (CVMC)

The Chennai–Vladivostok Maritime Corridor (CVMC) was a route that was proposed by the PM Modi’s visit to Russia in 2019. The 5,647 nautical miles, which is almost 10,500 km long sea route aims to connect the Indian port city of Chennai with Vladivostok, a major port in Russia's Far East. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance economic and strategic cooperation between India and Russia, leveraging the geographical and economic complementarities between the two nations.

According to the statement of PM Modi the preliminary work for the project is underway between Mumbai and St. Petersburg, which is almost 16,000 kms. Currently, the transportation takes around 40 days to transport the goods buut with this distance will be reduced to about 5,400 km and the items will be transported within 24 days.

The route would pass through key maritime chokepoints and international waters, enhancing connectivity between South Asia and the Russian Far East.

Economic and Trade Benefits

By establishing a direct maritime link, India can diversify its trade routes, reducing dependency on traditional shipping lanes and mitigating risks associated with geopolitical tensions or trade disruptions in other regions. The maritime will open the opportunities for trade not only for India but will also for Russia. Vladivostok and the Russian Far East are rich in natural resources, including minerals, oil, and gas. The CVMC can facilitate the import of these resources to India, supporting its energy and industrial needs.

Strengthening Bilateral Relations: The CVMC underscores the deepening strategic partnership between India and Russia. Enhanced maritime connectivity can lead to greater political and military cooperation, including naval exercises and joint maritime security initiatives.

Chennai will emerge as strong economic center

With the project, the cargo traffic in Chennai will increase with countries like Singapore, Malasiya, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand and China. The Chennai will emerge as a strong economic centre like Mumbai. 

Regional Influence

By establishing a presence in the Russian Far East, India can increase its influence in the Asia-Pacific region, counterbalancing the growing presence of other major powers such as China. The CVMC can spur the development of economic corridors and special economic zones along the route, attracting investments and promoting industrial growth.

The infrastructure development and increased trade will not only stimulate economic growth but will also create jobs, and promote regional development.

Overall, the Chennai-Vladivostok Maritime Corridor represents a strategic initiative that can bring significant economic, strategic, and geopolitical benefits to India, reinforcing its position as a major player in the global maritime and trade landscape.