Russian deputy PM Marat Khusnullin made the suggestion 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.“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. On February 28, the US and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran, targeting key urban centres, including Tehran. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks on Israeli targets and US military bases across Bahrain, Jordan, Iraq, Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE and Saudi Arabia.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesTehran subsequently announced a maritime blockade of the Strait of Hormuz targeting vessels linked to the US, Israel and allied countries involved in the conflict. The strategic waterway handles around 20% of global oil trade and nearly 20% of worldwide LNG shipments.Meanwhile, Türkiye briefly restricted access to the Bosphorus strait following attacks on vessels in the strait, including Turkish-owned ships.Beyond international transport links, Khusnullin also highlighted the need for sustained investment in Russia’s construction sector. He said the industry currently has the capacity to absorb an additional one trillion rubles annually.“The construction industry is already capable of handling an additional one trillion rubles annually. However, if such a volume is secured for the next five years, it would be possible to expand capacity and build even more,” he added.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorKaran ManralKaran Manral is a journalist at the Times of India. He covers politics, social issues, and international affairs, exploring stories that affect people’s everyday lives. He also writes explainers to make these stories easier for readers to follow.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Shivling Beneath Darul Uloom Deoband’: Hindu Outfit Plans Ganga Water Offering At Islamic SeminaryBaramati Airfield Runway Excursion: Training Aircraft Veers Off Runway, No Injuries ReportedIN-SPACe Moves To Privatise Operations Of Rs 986-Crore Kulasekarapattinam SpaceportAir India Phuket-Delhi Flight Captain Reportedly Fails Dope Test After Turbulence IncidentSavarkar Quiz Question Sparks Political Row In Kerala; Education Department Orders InquiryWATCH: Uttarakhand Innovator’s Electric Flying Vehicle Takes Maiden Test FlightUPI To Remain Free For Users, But Some Merchants May Face Nominal Fees In Future: GovtArunachal CM Rejects Chinese Encroachment As India Assigns Official Names To 27 Places‘If You Don’t Kill My Husband, I Will’: Telangana Man Uncovers Wife’s Shocking Chats With Lover‘Brahmins Joining BSP’: Mayawati SLAMS Akhilesh Yadav Over PDA’s ‘P Change’ From Pichhde To Pandit123PhotostoriesWeekly Tarot Horoscope From August 9 to August 15, 2026 For Your Birth DateInside Kiku Sharda’s luxurious Mumbai home: Spacious balcony, elegant living room, and moreForget momo: Try these traditional steamed regional delicacies from Indian statesWant your child to actually tell you about school? Try these 5 simple parenting shiftsVitamin C from food vs supplements: Which gives you more and when taking extra may not help10 Indian states ranked highest for civic sense and responsible public behaviour; check if your state made it to the listHiccups that keep coming back? Doctor explains when they could signal a neurological problem5 foods packed with magnesium that can help support muscles, nerves and heart healthWhy you should add salt, not oil to pasta water: 6 common mistakes to avoid with pastaTaking vitamin D every day but still running low? Doctors explain what may be stopping your levels from rising123Hot PicksThailand School ShootingUPI TransactionsAsk Me AnythingJharkhand protestGurgaon rainNICL Assistant RecruitmentAnkur WarikooIndia Labour CodesGold rate todayTop TrendingNashik EarthquakeUddhav ThackerayRaja RaghuvanshiBJP MLA Fake MarriagesDevendra FadnavisSiddhivinayak Temple donation theftDelhi Wife MurderAbhijeet DipkeTarun TejpalPraveen Nettaru Murder Case
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.“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. On February 28, the US and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran, targeting key urban centres, including Tehran. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks on Israeli targets and US military bases across Bahrain, Jordan, Iraq, Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
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Tehran subsequently announced a maritime blockade of the Strait of Hormuz targeting vessels linked to the US, Israel and allied countries involved in the conflict. The strategic waterway handles around 20% of global oil trade and nearly 20% of worldwide LNG shipments.Meanwhile, Türkiye briefly restricted access to the Bosphorus strait following attacks on vessels in the strait, including Turkish-owned ships.Beyond international transport links, Khusnullin also highlighted the need for sustained investment in Russia’s construction sector. He said the industry currently has the capacity to absorb an additional one trillion rubles annually.“The construction industry is already capable of handling an additional one trillion rubles annually. However, if such a volume is secured for the next five years, it would be possible to expand capacity and build even more,” he added.
