Developments in Asian rail logistics continue apace. The International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), led by Russia, is set to see another expansion. In March 2025, Russia and Pakistan will reportedly launch the first test rail freight services linking the two countries via Azerbaijan and Iran.
The intention of Russia and Pakistan to start experimenting with rail freight logistics using the INSTC network was confirmed by Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, Pakistan’s Minister of Energy, in an interview with medium Russia Today. Leghari stressed that economic cooperation with Russia is crucial and inevitable for his country, considering the current global situation that forces states to seek partnerships with major international players.
What’s a better way of strengthening ties other than trade? Russia has made its intentions regarding the INSTC and its future clear since it uses it (and aims to maximise its usage) as a supply chain alternative to Western sanctions and as a lever to keep regional economies under its influence in the context of global alliances like the BRICS.
Nevertheless, while confirming stronger cooperation with Russia, Leghari asserted that Pakistan does not turn its back to the West. “Western countries should not be worried about Pakistan’s relations and cooperation with Russia […] any external concerns are unnecessary,” he stressed.
In any case, the fact that cargo from Pakistan will soon make its way to Azerbaijan might also be interesting for Western countries, particularly Europe, in the sense of exploring trade possibilities if international regulations allow.