Russia To India Direct Train Link? Moscow Considers Move: Report

The Russian Deputy Prime Minister, Marat Khusnullin, has floated the idea of constructing a railway route linking Russia to the Indian Ocean and potentially the country of India. This proposal stems from concerns over risks associated with key maritime chokepoints, such as the Bosphorus and the Strait of Hormuz, which have experienced escalating disruptions following armed conflicts involving the US, Israel and Iran.

Khusnullin suggested that the feasibility of this rail link should be examined, indicating that a possible route could traverse Turkmenistan, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan before reaching the Indian Ocean. He stated, "A rail link to the Indian Ocean should also be explored. Risks related to the Bosphorus and the Strait of Hormuz might require alternative routes: through Turkmenistan, Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Any options providing access to India are acceptable."

The proposed railway could provide an alternative overland route for freight heading to the Indian Ocean and potentially India. This option becomes particularly relevant given the critical importance of the Strait of Hormuz, which accounts for roughly 25 percent of global oil trade and nearly 20 percent of worldwide liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments. Any route facilitating connectivity to India would be considered viable, according to Khusnullin.

In a separate interview, Khusnullin also addressed Russia's domestic construction sector, noting that the industry has the capacity to absorb an additional one trillion rubles annually. He added that if such funding were secured over the next five years, it would open up opportunities for further expansion of the industry's capacity.