Russia to India via train? Moscow floats ambitious railway route, says link "should be explored"

Russia is exploring new overland trade routes to strengthen its connectivity with India and reduce dependence on strategically sensitive maritime chokepoints.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin has suggested examining the feasibility of a direct rail connection from Russia towards the Indian Ocean, with possible routes passing through Turkmenistan, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

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Russia-India rail corridor could offer alternative trade route

Speaking to Russian news agency TASS, Khusnullin said Moscow should consider every viable option that could improve its access to India.

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"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," Khusnullin was quoted as saying by TASS.

If such a corridor is eventually developed, it could create a direct overland rail freight route linking Russia with India while offering an alternative to traditional maritime shipping routes.

Why Russia is looking beyond the Strait of Hormuz

The proposal comes amid heightened concerns over disruptions in major international shipping lanes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz.

The waterway is one of the world's most strategically important energy chokepoints, carrying a significant share of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Any prolonged disruption can have implications for energy supplies, shipping costs and international trade.

Russia's interest in alternative routes also reflects a broader push to develop land-based transport corridors that can reduce exposure to geopolitical tensions and maritime bottlenecks.

Possible route through Central and South Asia

A potential rail network through Turkmenistan and Iran could provide an important link towards the Indian Ocean, while extending the corridor through Afghanistan and Pakistan could open another pathway towards India.

Such a route would, however, involve complex geographical, political and infrastructure challenges. Building a continuous rail freight network across multiple countries would require substantial investment, cross-border coordination and agreements on transit and customs procedures.

For Russia, greater rail connectivity with South Asia could also support the expansion of trade with India and provide additional options for moving goods outside vulnerable maritime routes.

Russia's wider push to expand transport connectivity

The proposed Indian Ocean rail link fits into Moscow's broader efforts to strengthen alternative international transport corridors.

With geopolitical tensions reshaping global trade routes, rail networks across Eurasia have gained greater importance. Overland corridors can potentially provide more predictable alternatives for certain categories of freight, particularly when maritime routes face disruptions or rising insurance and shipping costs.

A Russia-to-Indian Ocean connection could therefore become strategically significant if the necessary infrastructure and international agreements are put in place.

Russia construction sector needs long-term funding

Khusnullin also spoke about Russia's domestic construction industry and its need for sustained financial support.

According to the deputy prime minister, the country's construction sector currently has the capacity to absorb an additional one trillion roubles in investment every year.

"The construction industry is already capable of handling an additional one trillion rubles annually. However, if such a volume is secured for the next five years, it would be possible to expand capacity and build even more," he added.

For now, the proposal remains an idea to be explored rather than a confirmed rail project. Its feasibility will depend on infrastructure availability, political agreements, security conditions and the economics of moving freight across such a long and complex route.


Inputs from ANI