# Russia pitches direct rail link to India via Iran, Pakistan

2026-08-09T14:55:55+00:00 | World & Diplomacy | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin has called for a feasibility study on a direct rail link from Russia to India via Turkmenistan, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan. The proposed overland freight corridor would reduce dependence on the Bosphorus and Strait of Hormuz, which face disruptions after US, Israel strikes on Iran and a subsequent Iranian blockade of Hormuz. The strait handles about 20% of global oil trade. Khusnullin said any route providing access to India is viable. The proposal remains at an exploratory stage and faces major geopolitical and security hurdles.

## Coverage

- timesofindia.indiatimes.com <https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-russia-to-be-linked-by-rail-moscow-floats-proposal-calls-it-viable/articleshow/133067303.cms>
- livemint.com <https://www.livemint.com/news/world/russia-eyes-rail-link-to-india-as-strait-of-hormuz-disruptions-threaten-trade-11786286372469.html>

Tags: Bosphorus strait, Central Asia connectivity, Marat Khusnullin, Russia-India rail, Strait of Hormuz, US-Iran conflict
Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/russia-proposes-direct-rail-link-to-india-via-central-asia/
License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources.
Cite: https://indianopinion.org/russia-proposes-direct-rail-link-to-india-via-central-asia/#story-in-brief

Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.