Russia Seeks Rail Link to Indian Ocean via Afghanistan, Pakistan and India

MOSCOW: Russia is exploring the possibility of establishing a direct railway link to the Indian Ocean via Afghanistan, Pakistan and India, as Moscow seeks to expand trade and transport connectivity with South Asia.

According to Firstpost, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin has proposed examining the possibility of a railway connection from Moscow to the Indian Ocean. The proposed route could pass through Afghanistan and Pakistan before reaching India.

Russian officials say such a land-based route could provide Russia with new and alternative trade corridors while reducing dependence on major maritime chokepoints.

Reports suggest that developing the proposed railway link would require extensive cooperation among Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and other relevant countries on infrastructure, cross-border connectivity, financing and long-term investment.

Russia is already seeking to expand trade ties with India through the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC). However, a potential railway route through Afghanistan and Pakistan could provide Moscow with an additional land-based gateway to the Indian Ocean and South Asia.

Analysts say that if implemented, the project could significantly strengthen trade links between Russia, Central Asia, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India, while creating a new overland freight corridor connecting Eurasia with the Indian Ocean.