Russia

Russia, Pakistan work to launch first rail cargo route — ambassador

TASS English · 2026-08-07

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: Russia and Pakistan are collaborating to establish the first rail cargo route connecting Moscow with Faisalabad and Karachi, with potential involvement from Belarus. • Why it matters: This project aims to enhance trade connectivity between Russia and Pakistan, reducing reliance on maritime routes and addressing geopolitical tensions in the region. • What to watch next: Monitor the progress of the service contract and the selection of companies along the route, as well as any developments regarding Belarus's participation in the project.

Russia, Pakistan work to launch first rail cargo route — ambassador Albert Khorev says an opportunity of involving Belarus into the project is also being worked outMOSCOW, August 8. /TASS/. Moscow and Islamabad are working to launch the first rail cargo line connecting Russia and Pakistan, with a possibility of Minsk joining the project, Russian Ambassador to Pakistan Albert Khorev told Izvestia. "Together with the Pakistani partners, we are working to organize the first rail cargo route between our countries, connecting Moscow-Faisalabad and Moscow-Karachi in both directions. An opportunity of involving the Belarusian side into the project is also being worked out," the diplomat said. In his words, the project has been repeatedly delayed over geopolitical tensions in the region in 2025 and early 2026. "At this point, the sides are at the stage of completing work on the service contract and on choosing companies from countries along the presumed route that are interested in moving their cargo," the ambassador added. Earlier, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin told TASS in an interview that Russia needs to create a railway route to the Indian Ocean to reduce risks related to the Bosphorus and the Strait of Hormuz. 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Source: TASS English
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