Gurugram, Aug. 13 -- Highlighting Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent statements on India's interest in the Northern Sea Route (NSR), former Indian Ambassador to Russia Ajai Malhotra has said that New Delhi is examining the Arctic region not merely as a domain for scientific research, but as an emerging maritime trade corridor and strategic opportunity in the global commons.

In an interview with ANI, Malhotra stated that as the Arctic ice retreats, the Northern Sea Route has opened up as a shorter, cheaper, and increasingly viable maritime connection linking India to Northern Europe along the Russian coastline.

"President Putin's statement acknowledges that India is looking at the Arctic not only as a domain of scientific research...