New Delhi, Aug. 3 -- Nikolai Patrushev arrived in Algeria on Sunday carrying a portfolio that has grown more significant by the week. As chairman of Russia's Marine Board and a close presidential aide, he oversees the coordination of Russian maritime policy at a moment when the Strait of Hormuz crisis has restructured global shipping lanes and redirected traffic in ways that affect both Russian logistics and Algerian energy exports. His meetings in Algiers were announced in restrained language - bilateral cooperation projects, upcoming contacts, Mediterranean shipping security - but the timing and seniority of his presence communicated something beyond routine maintenance.

consistent with a meeting designed to establish direction and sch...