Russia proposes rail route to India

Russia has proposed exploring a railway route to the Indian Ocean and India to reduce dependence on strategically important maritime routes. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin said alternative routes could help address risks associated with the two strategic waterways including the Strait of Hormuz and the Bosphorus Strait. Khusnullin said concerns around the Bosphorus and Strait of Hormuz could make alternative land routes important. According to Russia’s state news agency, Khusnullin said rail routes passing through Turkmenistan, Iran and Afghanistan could be explored to provide access to India. The proposal comes amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia, which has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.  

ICYMI: Russia Eyes Direct Rail Route To India Via Indian Ocean

Russian Deputy PM Marat Khusnullin said Moscow should explore rail access through Turkmenistan, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan to reduce dependence on routes vulnerable to disruptions around the Bosphorus and… pic.twitter.com/Lie0kaS1wX

— RT_India (@RT_India_news) August 9, 2026

The proposed railway could have wider geopolitical and economic implications, as it may provide Russia with an alternative overland link towards the Indian Ocean through Central and South Asia. The proposal is aimed at creating an alternative to important sea routes. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's key shipping routes. Around 25% of global oil trade and about 20% of LNG shipments pass through the strait.   A railway connection towards India could give Russia another way to move goods towards the Indian Ocean without relying entirely on maritime routes.The biggest significance of the proposal is that Russia is considering a land-based connection towards India.