India, Russia to be linked by rail? Moscow floats proposal, calls it 'viable'

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin has called on Moscow and New Delhi to explore the feasibility of a direct rail link to the Indian Ocean, aimed at reducing transit risks associated with the Bosphorus strait and Strait of Hormuz.According to Khusnullin, potential routes could pass through Turkmenistan, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan, adding that any corridor providing connectivity to India would be considered “viable.”If realised, the proposal would create a direct overland rail freight link between Russia and India.“A rail link to the Indian Ocean should also be explored. Risks related to the Bosphorus and the Strait of Hormuz might require alternative routes: through Turkmenistan, Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Any options providing access to India are acceptable,” Khusnullin was quoted as saying by TASS.The proposal comes amid disruptions to maritime trade through the Strait of Hormuz following the escalation of hostilities between the US-Israel and Iran.