Maria Lagutina: «India Is Implementing an Evolutionary Model of ‘Soft Entry’ into the Arctic Amid the Formation of a Multipolar World Order»

March 24, 2026

In her presentation, Lagutina examined India’s place in the Arctic governance system and its strategy for participating in multilateral cooperation. Particular attention was paid to the role of science diplomacy, as well as the potential of formats such as BRICS and the Northern Forum in advancing the interests of non-Arctic states.

«Unlike more formalized structures, BRICS and the Northern Forum allow non-Arctic states to pursue their interests in the region without the need for an institutional upgrade in status, such as becoming a full member of the Arctic Council. This is particularly important for India, whose strategy combines the desire to strengthen its global status with a cautious approach to institutional expansion,» Lagutina said. The expert emphasized that India is implementing an evolutionary model of «soft entry» into the Arctic amid the formation of a multipolar world order.

What Else Was Discussed at the Round Table

The round table was dedicated to the prospects for bilateral and multilateral cooperation in the Arctic. Particular attention was paid to India’s role as a non-Arctic actor and the opportunities for interaction between Russia and India within various formats of Arctic cooperation. The event was organized by the Consulate General of India in St. Petersburg jointly with the Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute (AARI).

During the plenary session, which was devoted to the concept of Arctic cooperation, welcome addresses were delivered by Neelam Rani, Consul General of India in St. Petersburg; T.S. Tirumurti, Ambassador of India; A.S. Makarov, Director of the AARI; I.S. Doroshenko, Second Secretary of the Representative Office of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in St. Petersburg; as well as the Deputy Chairman of the Committee on External Relations of St. Petersburg.

In the sessions, representatives from the AARI, the Institute of Regional Economic Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg State University, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, the North-Western Institute of Management of the RANEPA, Admiral Makarov State University of Maritime and Inland Shipping, IMEMO, Gekon Consulting Company, and others spoke on the Russian side, while experts from the Vivekananda International Foundation, the Indian Maritime University, the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, and others spoke on the Indian side.

In their presentations, the speakers emphasized the importance of developing Russian-Indian interaction in the Arctic amid a changing geopolitical environment and identified key areas of cooperation. These include ensuring energy security, developing trade and economic ties, joint development of the Northern Sea Route, participation in the formation of the Trans-Arctic Transport Corridor, as well as expanding scientific and technical cooperation and developing the human capital of the two countries.

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