Russia is exploring a possible railway corridor connecting the country to the Indian Ocean through Central and South Asia. The proposed route could diversify trade links, reduce reliance on vulnerable maritime chokepoints and strengthen connectivity between Russia, Central Asia and India.
Russia is studying the construction of a railway connecting them with the Indian Ocean and possibly with India. Russia is looking for ways to reduce their dependence on railway corridors that are more susceptible to danger. This proposal strengthens the connections of Russia, Central Asia and South Asia and provides India with another trade route.
According to the Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin, India is to be provided access to the Indian Ocean by way of a railway route, and there is a proposed corridor stretching from Turkmenistan, through Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan to India. The proposal is in the early stages and no construction is planned in the near future.
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The proposed route is in consideration due to the risks and disruptions to international shipping routes. Overland routes are also lessening Russia's dependence on shipping routes through the Bosporus and the Strait of Hormuz.
The proposal should help with regional development projects - in particular the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), which provides access to trade between India and Russia through a combination of transport by rail, road, and sea networks. The forwarding of the INSTC trade corridor is also an alternative to the Indian-Russian trade corridor.
For Central Asian countries, a new railway connection could create additional opportunities to participate in regional transit and logistics networks. Improved rail connectivity could support the movement of commodities, manufactured goods and other cargo between Russia and markets farther south.
However, the development of a transport corridor that is continuous across Central and South Asia entails a number of challenges. The differences in railway infrastructure, financial costs, security issues along the route, and other factors must be considered before the project can be realized.
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At the same time, the idea underscores Moscow’s efforts to promote alternative land-links for global trade, which is why the project is also interesting for India, as it can act as another bridge for Russian goods going to Central Asia and the Indian Ocean.