Russia Backs India-Operated Chabahar Port, Moves to Integrate It into North–South Transport Corridor

In a major geopolitical and economic development, Russia has expressed strong interest in India-operated Iran’s Chabahar Port and decided to integrate it into the strategically significant International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC). The move is expected to accelerate regional connectivity and deliver substantial gains for Iran and India, while strengthening Russia’s access to South Asian markets.

Russia has described Chabahar Port as a key gateway to South Asia, capable of connecting Europe and Central Asia with South and East Asia through an efficient and independent trade route. The decision was taken during high-level bilateral talks between Russian and Iranian officials in Tehran, aimed at fast-tracking the operationalisation of the INSTC.

High-Level Iran–Russia Talks

According to Iranian media reports, Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, held detailed discussions with Vitaly Savelyev, Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister for Transport. The talks focused on removing existing bottlenecks and pushing the INSTC into its full operational phase, following agreements reached earlier at the presidential level between the two countries.

Both sides underlined the strategic importance of the corridor as a major geopolitical and connectivity initiative that could reshape regional trade flows.

Iran’s Commitment to Fast-Track the Project

Larijani said Iran has taken a firm decision to operationalise the corridor and assured that all executive, legal and institutional hurdles would be removed swiftly. He added that the necessary legal and operational agreements would be finalised to ensure seamless implementation.

As per directives from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Iran will complete land acquisition along the corridor route by the end of the year, ensuring uninterrupted progress of the project. Savelyev welcomed Iran’s decisive approach and reaffirmed Russia’s readiness to accelerate work and begin operational processes at the earliest.

Both countries emphasised that the INSTC is a cornerstone of their shared strategy to deepen long-term cooperation and establish independent and resilient regional connectivity routes, particularly amid shifting global trade dynamics.

Strategic Boost for India and Iran

For India, which operates the Chabahar Port, Russia’s endorsement is a significant diplomatic and economic win. Chabahar offers India a critical trade route bypassing Pakistan and provides direct access to Iran, Central Asia, Russia and Europe. Iran, meanwhile, stands to gain the most as the corridor will pass through its territory via both land and maritime routes, boosting transit revenues and strategic relevance.

What Is the INSTC?

The International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC) is a 7,200-kilometre-long multimodal network of sea, rail and road routes jointly initiated by India, Russia and Iran. It is designed to reduce cargo transportation time and costs between India and Russia by offering a shorter and cheaper alternative to the traditional Suez Canal route.

Running through the Caspian Sea region, Azerbaijan and Iran, the corridor aims to enhance trade between major hubs such as Mumbai and Moscow, while promoting broader Eurasian economic integration.

With Russia’s renewed push and Iran’s commitment to fast-track implementation, the inclusion of Chabahar Port could mark a decisive step toward transforming the INSTC into a fully functional and strategically vital global trade artery.