Moscow explores an overland trade corridor through Central and South Asia amid Strait of Hormuz disruptions
New Delhi, August 9: Russia is exploring the possibility of developing a railway corridor connecting the country to the Indian Ocean and potentially India, as Moscow looks for alternative trade routes amid growing risks to major maritime chokepoints.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin said the feasibility of a rail link to the Indian Ocean should be examined. According to ANI, citing Russia’s state-run news agency TASS, he suggested that a possible route could pass through Turkmenistan, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan, eventually providing access to the Indian Ocean and India.
Khusnullin said growing risks around the Bosphorus and Strait of Hormuz made it important to examine alternative transportation routes. He indicated that any option capable of establishing connectivity with India could be considered.
The proposal comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions in West Asia and disruptions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy and shipping routes. The waterway carries a significant share of global oil and LNG shipments, making instability in the region a major concern for international trade.
A Russia-India rail connection through Central and South Asia would represent a significant expansion of overland connectivity between the two countries. However, the proposed corridor would face substantial logistical, infrastructure and geopolitical challenges, particularly given its proposed passage through multiple countries.
Khusnullin also highlighted the need for greater investment in Russia’s domestic construction sector. He said the industry could absorb an additional one trillion roubles annually, provided sustained funding is available over the next five years.
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