The author of the article claims that for centuries, trade relations with European countries have been a “mainstay” for the Russian economy. After the West began imposing unprecedented sanctions on Moscow, Russia has been increasingly expanding its connections with the Persian Gulf countries, as well as with India and China.
The article asserts that the so-called “southern route” will become a key component of Russia’s plans. On this section of the route from Russia to India, a railway line with a length of 160 kilometers will be located. The cost of the project will reach 1.7 billion dollars. It is expected that this transport route will connect the cities of Astara and Rasht in Iran, as well as the north of the Islamic Republic and Azerbaijan with Russia.
“This will be the final link of the railway branch between Russia and Iranian ports on the Persian Gulf coast, which will provide easy access to centers such as India’s trading capital, Mumbai,” reports NYT.
According to the publication, this path will increase the export of Russian goods and also strengthen trade relations with China, as it will complement the existing trade routes between Moscow and Beijing.
“This will be a continuous railway mainline almost seven thousand kilometers in length. And it will be out of reach for Western sanctions,” the article states.