In an interview with TASS, Khusnullin said Russia should look at alternative land routes to reduce risks linked to major maritime routes such as the Bosphorus and the Strait of Hormuz.
The proposal comes shortly after India and Russia reviewed cooperation in several sectors during the 12th Session of the India-Russia Working Group on Modernization and Industrial Cooperation in New Delhi on August 7.
The two sides discussed expanding cooperation in railway transport, including railway infrastructure, Vande Bharat trains and signalling equipment. They also discussed areas such as mining, fertilizers, unmanned aerial systems, 3D printing, Russia’s SJ-100 regional aircraft and aero-engine production.
India-Russia rail route
One possible route could pass through Turkmenistan, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan before reaching India. Khusnullin said Russia would consider any option for access to India.
However, the proposal is still at an early stage. There is currently no confirmed railway route between Russia and India, nor any announcement about passenger trains, ticket prices or a launch date.
Why is Russia considering the route
The proposed railway could give Russia an alternative way to transport goods towards the Indian Ocean without depending entirely on key sea routes.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important shipping routes. Around 25% of global oil trade and about 20% of global LNG shipments pass through the strait, according to TASS. The Bosphorus is another important waterway, connecting the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara. Turkey controls the strait and has said it remains open despite heightened concerns.
Khusnullin said risks surrounding these major maritime routes could make alternative land connections increasingly important. This train route can also improve overland connectivity with Russia and countries in Central and South Asia.Russia railway route
Russia already has an extensive international railway network. According to Russia’s Federal Passenger Company, the country’s national passenger rail carrier operates 40 international long-distance routes connecting Russia with 19 countries across Europe and Asia.
These include China, Mongolia, North Korea, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Moldova, Germany, France, Italy, Poland, Austria, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and Finland.