Russia eyes direct rail route to Indian Ocean to bypass Bosphorus, Hormuz risks

Russia is considering a major overland alternative to established maritime transit routes, with Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin saying Moscow should examine the feasibility of a direct rail connection to the Indian Ocean.

The proposal comes against the backdrop of transit risks associated with strategic maritime chokepoints such as the Bosphorus and the Strait of Hormuz.

Khusnullin, speaking to news agency TASS in an interview, said developing alternative routes could help reduce Moscow's exposure to disruptions along these waterways, as reported by news agency ANI.

The Russian Deputy Prime Minister said possible land corridors could run through Turkmenistan, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

He also stressed that any route capable of establishing connectivity with India would be considered viable.

Such a network, if eventually developed, could create a direct overland rail freight connection between Russia and India, opening an alternative pathway for the movement of goods between the two countries.

The proposal places particular focus on building connectivity beyond traditional maritime routes.

The Bosphorus, which connects the Black Sea with the Mediterranean, and the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for global energy shipments, remain strategically important transit points.

Khusnullin's remarks indicate that Russia is examining routes that could provide greater flexibility in moving freight towards the Indian Ocean and onward to India.

A corridor involving Turkmenistan, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan would, however, span multiple countries and require significant infrastructure development and coordination.

Khusnullin's emphasis was that the feasibility of any route leading to India should be explored.

If realised, the proposed rail network could give Russia an alternative overland freight pathway to India while reducing dependence on vulnerable maritime transit routes.