New coalition of states could form around Trans-Arctic Corridor — expert

MOSCOW, August 24. /TASS/. A new coalition of states could form around the development of the Trans-Arctic transport corridor, which is already turning into not only an economic but also a geopolitical project, Irina Strelnikova, director of the Center for Interdisciplinary Arctic Studies at the Higher School of Economics, told TASS. "The scenario is entirely realistic. There are certain caveats to consider, but I would say that it is already taking shape as a geopolitical project, and the economic component, indeed, is gaining momentum alongside the geopolitical one," she said when asked about the potential formation of a new coalition of states centered on the Trans-Arctic transport corridor. China, India, and the United Arab Emirates could become potential participants in this alliance, Strelnikova said, adding that Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan are also showing interest in expanding transport chains and accessing new markets. Forming a stable coalition requires an alignment of the states’ economic interests, the expert noted. The project must offer tangible benefits to participants, including access to resources, new markets, and the development of logistics capabilities. Strelnikova cited political will and the readiness of states to reach agreements on contentious issues as another condition. In particular, she believes potential coalition members need to set aside their differences regarding the legal status of the Northern Sea Route. The expert also mentioned geopolitical competition, US sanctions pressure, and the risk of fragmented cooperation, whereby instead of a unified coalition, separate partnerships between Russia and China, India, and the UAE would develop, as potential obstacles.