CHENNAI: Russia is actively working to operationalise the long-anticipated Chennai–Vladivostok maritime corridor, a project it views as strategically vital for deepening trade, logistics and economic engagement with India, particularly South India, Russian Consul General in Chennai Valery Khodzhaev said on Thursday.
Addressing reporters in Alwarpet here, Khodzhaev said the proposed sea route, which would link India’s east coast with Russia’s Far East, is a highly promising international corridor with strong future potential. While acknowledging that the process would take time, he underlined that certain progress has already been made and that Moscow remains firmly committed to activating the route.
“From a strategic perspective, the Chennai–Vladivostok corridor is extremely significant. We are working to make this route operational. It will not happen overnight, but it is an initiative we must pursue,” he said, describing Vladivostok as a crucial gateway not just for Russia but for wider regional connectivity.
The remarks come as 2025 marks 25 years of the Russia–India strategic partnership, a milestone year that has seen renewed political and economic momentum. Khodzhaev described Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent visit to India as historic, noting that 29 agreements were signed, giving fresh impetus to bilateral cooperation across sectors.
A key focus, he said, is correcting trade imbalances and expanding cooperation beyond traditional areas. “We are working to make our trade more balanced. South India, in particular, plays a major role, whether in rail modernisation, energy, technology or industry,” he said, pointing to Russia’s involvement in the modernisation of the Indian railway network and ongoing collaboration in Tamil Nadu.
On the civil nuclear front, the Consul General said Russia is ready to expand its contribution as India moves to expedite its nuclear liability framework. “We are prepared to work not only at the government level, but also with the private sector through joint construction and related efforts,” he said, adding that cooperation would extend beyond power generation to areas such as radiology and medical applications.
Striking an optimistic note on the broader economic outlook, Khodzhaev said India’s robust growth trajectory aligns well with Russia’s stable economy. “Many Indian companies are already actively engaged with Russia, particularly in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, agri-technology, healthcare, shipbuilding and aircraft manufacturing,” he said.
He highlighted Russia’s rapid progress in indigenous manufacturing, especially in civil aviation. “We have inducted new civilian aircraft, with more than 90 per cent of their components produced by domestic industries. Engines and other critical systems are now being developed locally,” he said, describing the pace of cooperation between the two countries in advanced manufacturing as almost revolutionary.
Russia, he added, plans to step up investments in South India, reflecting the region’s industrial capacity, skilled workforce and growing technology ecosystem.
On media and information cooperation, Khodzhaev said Russian media platforms are increasingly emerging as alternatives to dominant Western narratives on global development. He cited a cooperation agreement with Prasar Bharati, noting that Russian content has gained traction and begun competing with major Western agencies. “Russia is always open to collaboration in this space as well,” he said.