Russia is exploring a direct rail connection to the Indian Ocean, with possible corridors through Turkmenistan, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Khusnullin, speaking to news agency TASS in an interview, said developing alternative routes could help reduce Moscow's exposure to disruptions along these waterways, as reported by news agency ANI. The Russian Deputy Prime Minister said possible land corridors could run through Turkmenistan, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan. A corridor involving Turkmenistan, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan would, however, span multiple countries and require significant infrastructure development and coordination. If realised, the proposed rail network could give Russia an alternative overland freight pathway to India while reducing dependence on vulnerable maritime transit routes.