India plans to send its first cargo ship through Russia’s Northern Sea Route (NSR) in 2027, The Economic Times reports. Indian and Russian officials are discussing how the Arctic route could support trade between the two countries.
India is not the only Asian country showing interest in the route. China has started a scheduled weekly container service between China and Europe through the NSR. Sea Legend’s first vessel, Dubai Tower, left Ningbo on August 15 and is expected to reach Felixstowe in early September. Eight sailings are planned for the 2026 season.
South Korea is also preparing its first trial container voyage through the NSR. PanStar plans to send a 2,700-TEU vessel from Busan to Europe later this month.
The growing interest shows that Asian shipping companies are testing the NSR as an alternative route between Asia and Europe. However, the route remains seasonal and difficult to operate. Ice conditions can change quickly, and Arctic voyages require special planning, equipment and support.
For shipowners and cargo operators, the key question is whether the shorter route can become commercially reliable despite the operational and geopolitical risks.
