NEW DELHI: Russia has proposed exploring a direct rail link from Moscow to the Indian Ocean as an alternative to routes vulnerable to disruptions at the Bosphorus and Strait of Hormuz, amid ongoing conflicts and geopolitical tensions that have slowed major connectivity projects such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin suggested that an alternative rail route could pass through Turkmenistan, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan before reaching India.
“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,” he told Russian news agency TASS.
The Bosphorus, a strategic natural strait in Turkey, connects the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara and serves as a key maritime passage between Europe and Asia.
Pakistan poses major challenge
Experts said building a rail corridor spanning two continents and crossing four countries would present enormous logistical, financial and security challenges.
For India, the biggest hurdle would be the proposed route through Pakistan, given the strained relations between the two neighbours. Any such project would require strong and long-term guarantees from Pakistan to ensure the safety of the railway infrastructure, cargo and operations.
The Russian proposal did not provide details on the potential construction plan, estimated cost or timeline. However, if realised, the corridor could establish a direct overland freight connection between Russia and India and provide an alternative to conventional maritime trade routes.
The proposal comes as countries seek to diversify trade corridors and reduce dependence on vulnerable maritime chokepoints amid growing geopolitical uncertainty.
Among existing international rail freight routes, the Yiwu-Madrid railway connection is considered the world’s longest freight train route. Stretching more than 13,000 km, it links Yiwu in China with Madrid in Spain and passes through eight countries.
