Russia explores rail link to Indian Ocean to boost connectivity with India

Mangalore Today News Network

Moscow, Aug 9, 2026: Russia is exploring the feasibility of building a direct rail link to the Indian Ocean and India to reduce transit risks associated with key maritime chokepoints such as the Bosphorus and Strait of Hormuz, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin said.

Speaking to news agency TASS, Khusnullin said potential overland routes could pass through Turkmenistan, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan, with any corridor providing access to India being considered.

“A rail link to the Indian Ocean should also be explored,” Khusnullin said, adding that alternative routes could help mitigate risks linked to the Bosphorus and Strait of Hormuz.

The proposal comes amid heightened tensions and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, a major global energy transit route. The waterway handles about 25% of global oil trade and nearly 20% of global LNG shipments, making it strategically important for international commerce.

A direct overland rail corridor, if developed, could provide Russia with an alternative freight route to India while reducing dependence on vulnerable maritime passages.

Khusnullin also said Russia’s construction sector could absorb an additional one trillion roubles in investment annually. He said sustained funding over five years could enable the industry to expand its capacity further.

“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 said.