Russia emphasizes the necessity of developing new railway routes leading to the Indian Ocean through Turkmenistan, Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.

This was stated by the Deputy Prime Minister of the Government of the Russian Federation, Marat Khusnullin, in an interview with the TASS news agency.

According to the Deputy Prime Minister, the geopolitical risks currently arising in international transport routes and the instability of traditional sea lanes increase the importance of creating new overland corridors toward South Asia.

Noting the impact of the situation in the Bosphorus and Hormuz straits on transport and logistics directions, M. Khusnullin identified the development of railway routes passing through Turkmenistan, Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan as one of the priority areas for Russia.

In his opinion, the transport corridors to be established along this route will make it possible to direct Russia's cargo flows to ports in the Indian Ocean and open a more convenient path to the Indian market.

Recently, due to the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, the importance of developing alternative transport routes in Central Asia has increased even further. This strait serves as one of the key maritime routes through which approximately a quarter of global oil trade and a fifth of liquefied natural gas are transported.

Turkmenistan, with its favorable geographical location, developing railway system, and role in international transport projects, acts as a crucial logistics hub in the region.

According to experts, expanding the capabilities of the North–South transport corridor passing through Turkmenistan can contribute to developing trade relations across the Eurasian space, diversifying freight transportation routes, and strengthening economic cooperation among regional states.