The Rasht-Astara Railway is becoming a critical part of India's strategy to boost its global trade, especially as the world faces increasing challenges like the Red Sea crisis. Russian President Vladimir Putin recently emphasized the importance of this railway and the broader International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) during his visit to Azerbaijan. This massive transport project aims to connect South Asia, Russia, and Europe, and could be a game-changer for India's trade routes.
Why is this Railway Important?
The Rasht-Astara railway covers 162 kilometers and is the missing piece of the INSTC puzzle. This corridor, originally signed by India, Russia, and Iran back in 2000, has since grown to include more countries from across Eurasia. It’s designed to connect India’s major ports, such as Kandla and Chabahar, to Russia, Iran, and beyond, making the trade of goods like oil and gas faster and cheaper. The ultimate goal is to bypass longer, more expensive routes, like...