Russia, Aug 10 : Russia has proposed exploring a railway corridor linking its trade routes to the Indian Ocean as Moscow seeks alternatives to strategically vulnerable maritime passages, Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin said.
Speaking to Russia’s state run TASS news agency, Khusnullin said a land-based connection could help reduce risks associated with the Bosphorus and Strait of Hormuz, both of which play an important role in international trade and energy transportation.
He suggested examining a route running through Turkmenistan, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan, with access to India as one of the possible destinations.
“A rail link to the Indian Ocean should also be explored,” Khusnullin said, adding that any option capable of providing access to India could be considered.
The proposal comes against the backdrop of heightened instability in West Asia, where disruptions and security concerns around the Strait of Hormuz have raised concerns over the movement of global energy supplies. The waterway connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and is one of the world’s most important energy transit routes.
The Bosphorus is another strategically significant passage, connecting the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara. Its importance has grown for Russia because of its role in maritime access between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean.
A rail corridor toward the Indian Ocean would give Moscow a potential alternative to these sea routes. However, developing such a network across several countries would involve major infrastructure, security and diplomatic challenges.
The proposed alignment would also give the project wider geopolitical significance. A connection passing through Central and South Asia could strengthen trade links between Russia and countries along the route while potentially improving Moscow’s access to markets in the Indian Ocean region.
The idea comes as Russia continues to face pressure over its energy exports. On July 29, the US Senate advanced legislation proposing steep tariffs on countries that continue purchasing Russian oil and gas, including India.
Against this backdrop, Moscow’s interest in alternative transport corridors reflects a broader effort to diversify its trade routes and reduce exposure to maritime bottlenecks and geopolitical disruptions.
If developed, a Russia-to-Indian Ocean railway could become part of a wider network of overland trade corridors connecting Eurasian markets with South Asia. Its feasibility, however, would depend on agreements among the countries involved, substantial investment and stable regional conditions.