Russia and India are looking to develop the Northern Sea trade route— the shortest route between East Asia and Europe — with a focus on shipping from Vladivostok port, Russia’s Interfaxreports. Russia’s Minister of Development of the Russian Far East and Arctic Alexei Chekunkov discussed the route with Indian officials this week. Reuters also has the story.

AND- Saudi Arabia strengthens ties with China with SCO membership: The Saudi cabinet has approved the decision to join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization(SCO) on Wednesday, according to state news agency SPA. The Kingdom is now a “dialogue partner” in the SCO, a first step in the process ahead of granting it full membership “in the mid-term,” sources told Reuters. The SCO is a union spanning most of Eurasia, including China, India, and Russia, to discuss political and security matters.

PLUS- Belgian tanker company Euronav accused of carrying Iranian oil: Pressure group United Against Nuclear Iran has accused the NYSE-listed Euronav of bypassing US sanctions and shipping and trading in Iranian oil by shipping and trading in Iranian oil. (Associated Press)

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