# Russia floats rail route to India via Iran, Afghanistan

2026-08-08T20:41:38+00:00 | World & Diplomacy | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin has proposed exploring a railway link from Russia to the Indian Ocean, potentially reaching India. The route, as per reports citing Russian news agency TASS, could pass through Turkmenistan, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Khusnullin said any option providing access to India would be acceptable. The proposal comes amid escalating maritime disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and the Bosphorus. These chokepoints have become risky following armed hostilities involving the US, Israel, and Iran, including a blockade by Iran against vessels of allied nations. The Strait of Hormuz handles about 25% of global oil trade.

## Coverage

- indiatvnews.com <https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/world/russia-floats-idea-of-railway-route-to-india-wants-rail-link-to-be-explored-2026-08-08-1050809>
- ndtv.com <https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/russia-to-india-direct-train-link-moscow-considers-move-report-11886221>
- hindustantimes.com <https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/russia-to-india-by-train-moscow-floats-rail-route-to-indian-ocean-strait-of-hormuz-iran-pakistan-afghanistan-us-war-101786274406375.html>

Tags: geopolitics, India-Russia relations, Marat Khusnullin, railway route, Strait of Hormuz, transport connectivity
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