Russia Proposes Rail Route to India to reduce dependence on strategically important maritime routes

By  News On Air   Aug 10, 2026

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.

According to Russia’s state news agency, Mr. 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.

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.