Russia explores rail link to India to bypass maritime chokepoints
Russia is exploring a rail link to India through Central Asia and Iran as an alternative to maritime routes vulnerable to disruptions at the Strait of Hormuz and Bosphorus. The proposal comes amid expanding India-Russia energy and bilateral trade ties.
Russian officials are considering constructing a rail link to India in order to diversify supply routes away from potential maritime chokepoints, according to Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin. The proposal comes amid concerns over the security of the Bosphorus Strait, controlled by Turkey, and the Strait of Hormuz, which has been disrupted by conflicts between the US and Iran.
Khusnullin suggested exploring potential routes through Turkmenistan, Iran, and Afghanistan, highlighting that the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) connecting Mumbai to St Petersburg via Iran remains underutilized due to regional tensions. Chabahar Port, India's gateway to Afghanistan, Central Asia, and eastern Russia, also faces underutilization due to the ongoing conflict.
Despite these challenges, India is committed to both the INSTC and Chabahar Port projects, with plans to link the two routes in the future. India has emerged as Russia's second-largest oil importer, with crude imports from Russia reaching a record high last month. Bilateral trade has also increased, with Russia becoming a significant supplier of coal, coking coal, fertilizers, and sunflower oil to India.
The Indian government and Rosatom are set to sign a memorandum of understanding for the use of the Northern Sea Route, also known as the Arctic route, which could further bolster trade between the two nations.
Written by urgent.news from The Economic Times - Economy's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
