New Delhi, August 9, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Russia is exploring the possibility of developing a railway corridor that could eventually provide land-based access to the Indian Ocean and strengthen connectivity with India, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin has said.
In an interview with Russian news agency TASS, Khusnullin said Moscow should examine alternative transport routes to reduce its dependence on major maritime chokepoints, including the Bosphorus and the Strait of Hormuz.
One possible route could run from Russia through Turkmenistan, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan before reaching India, Khusnullin said, adding that Moscow would consider any corridor that could provide access to the Indian market.
The proposal is currently at an exploratory stage. No confirmed railway route, passenger service, ticketing details or launch timeline has been announced under the proposed plan.
Khusnullin stressed the strategic importance of alternative transport corridors amid concerns over key maritime routes. The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial global energy transit route, accounting for a significant share of international oil and LNG shipments.
A land-based railway connection towards India could offer Russia an additional route for transporting goods to the Indian Ocean, reducing reliance on maritime transportation while strengthening its overland links with Central and South Asia.
For India, such a corridor could potentially create new connectivity opportunities with Russia and Central Asian countries. In the longer term, improved land links could also facilitate greater movement of goods and people, including tourism.
However, the proposed corridor would cross several countries and require substantial infrastructure development and coordination on transit arrangements, security and cross-border movement.
The proposal comes as Russia continues to explore alternative trade and transport corridors to strengthen its connectivity with Asian markets.
FOLLOW NOW
