Strengthening Maritime Trade and Community: Insights from the 'Ganga to Volga' Dialogue at JNU

New Delhi, February 27, 2025 – The Centre for Russian and Central Asian Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), in collaboration with the Russian Indian Friendship Forum, hosted a pivotal dialogue titled “Ganga to Volga: Flow of Great Civilizations to Enhance Cooperation for Traditions, Education, Culture & Economy.” This high-level event brought together esteemed academicians, diplomats, and industry leaders to explore the evolving landscape of India-Russia relations, with particular emphasis on trade, entrepreneurship, and cultural ties.

The conference was inaugurated with a welcome address by Prof. Preeti D. Das, Chairperson of the Centre for Russian and Central Asian Studies, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by the honorable guests. The inaugural address was delivered by Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor Prof. Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit, underscoring JNU’s commitment to fostering international academic and cultural exchanges.

A special acknowledgment was made to Purnima Anand, President of the BRICS International Forum, who has dedicated over four decades to strengthening Indo-Russian relations. Her tireless efforts in fostering cultural, economic, and diplomatic ties between the two nations have significantly contributed to the depth and longevity of the partnership. Her presence and concluding remarks emphasized the significance of sustained collaborations for a prosperous and peaceful future.

A significant highlight of the event was the keynote address by Hon’ble Prof. Amitabh Mattoo, Dean, SIS, who emphasized the deep historical and cultural bonds between India and Russia, and their potential for future collaboration in key sectors such as education, technology, and economy.

Prominent Thought Leaders & Discussions

The event featured thought-provoking sessions with notable speakers, including:

Prof. Dr. Vladimir I. Akinfiev, People’s Friendship University of Russia, Moscow, Co-President, Society for Cultural & Business Cooperation with India, ROSSOTRUDNICHESTVO, Moscow, Expert, Energy Committee, Russian State DUMA
Prof. Vitaly Averyanov, DSc, Philosophy, Vice-Chairman, Izborsk Club, Director, Institute of Dynamic Conservatism, Moscow, Russia
Prof. Alexander Ageyev, DSc Economics, Director, Institute of Economic Strategies, Russian Academy of Science, National Nuclear University, MEPhI, Moscow, Professor at MGIMO and Moscow State University
Prof. Andrey Ivanov, DSc, Philosophy, Director, Centre for Humanitarian Education, Altay Agrarian University, Barnaul, Russia
Prof. Ajay Dubey, Centre for African Studies, School of International Studies, JNU
Guru Swami Shankarananda, Kriya Yoga Ashram, Rishikesh
Prof. Ravi Ramesh Chandra Shukla, Chairperson, CCPT, SIS, JNU
Mr. Eduard Grekov, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Gas Machines Group of Companies, Russia
Ashok Sajjanhar, Former Ambassador of India to Kazakhstan, Sweden and Latvia, President, Institute of Global Studies, New Delhi (Online Session)
Prof. Sergey Glaziyev, DSc Economics, Academic, The Secretary of Union State of Russia-Belarus
Sergey Kluchinikov, Editor-in-Chief, Science & Religion Journal, Moscow
Sonu Chaudhary, District Vice President, Bhartiya Janta Party, Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Brijesh Singh, Uttar Pradesh
Ashok Choubey, District Government Council (Revenue), Agra
JNU Youth Leaders and Students, who actively participated in discussions and a short video presentation

The sessions also featured a special address by Prof. Sergey Glaziyev, Secretary of the Union State of Russia-Belarus, and an online discussion led by Ashok Sajjanhar, former Ambassador of India to Kazakhstan, Sweden, and Latvia.

The dialogue culminated in an engaging Q&A session, where students and youth leaders from JNU actively participated, exchanging ideas on deepening India-Russia cooperation.

While the dialogue covered a broad spectrum of India-Russia collaborations, it held profound significance for the maritime trade sector and the global maritime community. With both nations historically connected through naval cooperation and maritime trade routes, this discussion reinforced the need for stronger partnerships in shipping, logistics, and infrastructure development.

The Role of Maritime Trade in Indo-Russian Relations

India and Russia share a long-standing maritime relationship, dating back to Soviet-era collaborations in shipbuilding and naval defense. Today, as both nations seek to expand economic ties, maritime trade remains a critical pillar. Key topics of discussion included:

Strategic Shipping Corridors: The importance of the Chennai-Vladivostok maritime route, which has the potential to transform trade logistics and reduce dependency on conventional overland trade routes.
Arctic and Northern Sea Route (NSR): Opportunities for Indian maritime businesses in leveraging Russia’s vast Arctic shipping potential, opening new avenues for cargo movement between Asia and Europe.
Shipbuilding and Maritime Infrastructure: Collaborative opportunities for Indian and Russian shipyards in modernizing fleets, enhancing port infrastructure, and developing smart maritime logistics systems.
Energy and Maritime Security: Ensuring secure sea lanes for energy transportation, particularly with Russia being a key supplier of oil and gas to India.

DMETian Prateek Khanna’s Vision: Entrepreneurship as a Catalyst for Maritime Prosperity

A highlight of the event was the compelling address by Prateek Khanna, a serial tech entrepreneur, DMET alumni, and DMECA member, who underscored the role of entrepreneurial collaboration in global peace and economic growth. As a marine engineer and maritime strategist, Khanna articulated how fostering India-Russia maritime partnerships through business ventures could reshape the future of global trade.

Khanna also discussed his new partnership with real estate giant Yugen Infra, where they are building a 1,000-acre Golf Township in North Goa as a symbol of sustainability and peace. This ambitious project is attracting global investment interest and is set to become a benchmark for sustainable development and a testament to the power of economic collaboration in fostering global peace.

(DMECA is one of the strongest maritime community in the globe)

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“The maritime industry is not just about ships and ports; it is the lifeline of global commerce. If we strengthen maritime cooperation between India and Russia, we open doors to increased trade volumes, more efficient logistics, and enhanced security in our sea lanes. This directly benefits seafarers, port operators, and the global supply chain,” Khanna stated.

He further highlighted the need for sustainable maritime development, advocating for green shipping solutions, digital transformation in port management, and training programs for the next generation of maritime professionals. Khanna's speech resonated deeply with the audience, reinforcing the importance of industry-driven partnerships in shaping a secure, efficient, and sustainable maritime future.

Impact of Russia-U.S. Talks on Maritime Trade

The ‘Ganga to Volga’ dialogue took place against the backdrop of a major diplomatic shift—Russia and the U.S. held six hours of discussions in Turkey on February 27, 2025, aimed at restoring normal embassy functions and improving bilateral relations. Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed optimism following initial contacts with the new U.S. administration under Donald Trump. This geopolitical development has potential ripple effects on global trade, including the maritime sector.

Key takeaways from the Russia-U.S. talks that could impact maritime trade include:

Potential Relaxation of Sanctions: If diplomatic progress leads to eased restrictions, Indian shipping companies may find new opportunities for trade and vessel operations in Russian ports.
Expansion of Energy Cooperation: Russia’s willingness to involve U.S. businesses in rare earth mineral extraction and Arctic resource development suggests that India could benefit from expanded trilateral maritime trade agreements.
Security in Trade Routes: The possibility of Russia and the U.S. reducing tensions could lead to greater stability in critical shipping lanes, benefiting international maritime businesses.

These geopolitical shifts highlight the importance of strategic maritime alliances, particularly between India and Russia, to navigate the evolving global trade landscape effectively.

A Step Forward in Strengthening Indo-Russian Maritime Trade

The 'Ganga to Volga' dialogue at JNU reinforced the idea that maritime trade is not just an economic necessity but a geopolitical strategy. Discussions emphasised that fostering closer ties in maritime infrastructure, technology exchange, and naval defense would not only boost trade but also enhance regional stability.

The dialogue concluded with a shared vision for a future where India and Russia deepen their maritime trade ties, leveraging historical partnerships and modern innovations. Prateek Khanna’s insights on leveraging entrepreneurship for maritime progress remained a defining highlight, reinforcing that collaboration and innovation in the maritime sector will drive economic growth and strengthen global maritime communities in the years to come.