Kathmandu— The Taliban government in Afghanistan has stated its commitment to ensuring the security of a prospective rail route linking Russia and India, a project that would provide Russia with direct access to the Indian Ocean. Abdul Rahman Habib, a spokesman for the Taliban’s Ministry of Economy, confirmed Afghanistan's support for the initiative, citing potential job creation within the country. The proposed railway is being considered by Moscow as a way to diversify transport routes and mitigate risks associated with maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

Strategic Rationale

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin recently outlined the plan for a rail link to the Indian Ocean, emphasizing the need to reduce reliance on potentially vulnerable sea lanes like the Strait of Hormuz. He indicated that multiple routes are under consideration, including passages through Turkmenistan, Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. For Russia, this railway represents an opportunity to secure access to key markets and diversify its trade infrastructure.

Economic Benefits for Afghanistan

Afghanistan stands to gain significantly from the project despite being a landlocked nation with limited access to global trade routes. The rail link would facilitate increased trade revenues for Kabul and create employment opportunities within the country, potentially bolstering its economy following decades of conflict. According to Habib, “This project will create employment in Afghanistan,” highlighting the Taliban’s recognition of the economic benefits.

Strengthening Ties

The potential railway aligns with growing cooperation between Russia and the Taliban government, which signed a military pact in May aimed at strengthening Moscow's influence in Central Asia. India also maintains strong ties with both Russia and Afghanistan; it is currently the second-largest buyer of Russian crude oil and shares a robust defense relationship with Moscow. Both nations have set an ambitious goal to reach $100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030.

The full interview with Abdul Rahman Habib will be aired shortly, providing further details on Afghanistan’s role in the prospective railway project. The feasibility and implementation of this route remain subject to ongoing discussions and agreements between all involved parties.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.