New Delhi, August 10: Russia is exploring the possibility of establishing a railway track that could eventually provide ground access to the Indian Ocean and connect it with India. This information was shared by Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin.
In an interview with the Russian news agency TASS, Khusnullin stated that Moscow should investigate alternative transport routes to reduce its dependence on critical maritime pathways, including the Bosphorus and Hormuz Straits.
According to Khusnullin, a potential option could be a railway corridor running from Russia through Turkmenistan, Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan to India. He emphasized that Russia is open to any route that would facilitate access to India.
However, this proposal is still in its early stages. Currently, there is no established railway route connecting Russia and India, nor any details regarding passenger train services, ticket prices, or start dates.
Khusnullin highlighted the strategic importance of developing alternative routes amid concerns over key maritime pathways. The Hormuz Strait is one of the world’s most significant maritime trade routes, handling nearly 25% of global oil trade and about 20% of LNG shipments.
He noted that concerns related to the Bosphorus and Hormuz Straits underscore the need to explore alternative land transport corridors. A railway connection to India could provide Russia with another route to deliver goods to the Indian Ocean without relying solely on maritime transport. This could also enhance Russia’s land connectivity with Central and South Asia.
For India, such a corridor could open up new connectivity opportunities with Russia and Central Asian countries. If this proposed ground link materializes in the future, it could increase the movement of people and promote tourism between the two regions.
The consideration of direct land connectivity options from Russia to India is seen as significant. However, this route would involve multiple countries and necessitate extensive infrastructure development, along with coordination on transit, security, and cross-border movement.
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