Russia has agreed to extend a gas supply contract with Serbia ‘on favourable terms’ following conversations between the Russian and Serbian Presidents. The existing contract was due to expire on March 31. Alternative energy supplies to Serbia have significantly dropped since the Iran conflict began, however Belgrade has a good relationship with Moscow meaning it can mitigate against these problems.
Russian logistics operators and shipping companies have found themselves in demand in Saudi Arabia due to their expertise in developing new supply chain routes in the wake of sanctions and handling regional conflicts. With the Strait of Hormuz remaining closed for Saudi exports, Russian and Saudi logistics professionals have been working the problem and coming up with creative solutions. It is a trend likely to impact future supply chains in the Middle East, Eurasia, Southeast Asia and Africa.
Russian rail connectivity and freight volumes with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation countries has been increasing and is set to continue this trend. We examine the rail development plans of each of the major national carriers as it becomes apparent that overland supply chains must improve in the wake of regional maritime uncertainties and conflicts.
The Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations has sent a train consisting of 31 wagons with humanitarian aid for Iran comprising over 300 tonnes of medicines and medical supplies. Thus far, over 1,407 Iranian civilians, and over 210 children have been killed in US and Israeli airstrikes on the country.
Kazakhstan and Russia are making significant efforts to boost Eurasian continental rail connectivity with China, in moves that will further secure supply chains in the wake of current maritime shipping problems. We examine the trends and the longer term impacts.
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India has placed a US$25 billion defence sector order with Russia for various military equipment including S‑400 air defence missile systems, various types of aircraft, and artillery systems, as part of a rapid military modernization drive. India is the world’s fifth‑largest military spender.
Russia is discussing energy supplies with Sri Lanka, as the country looks to diversify away from an over-reliance on Middle Eastern import supply chains, to alternative suppliers and developing its renewables sector. Sri Lanka has introduced restrictions on energy use in recent weeks due to problems with imports due from Iran.
Russia’s Novatek is to supply LNG to Vietnam with initial deliveries of 1 million tonnes. The two sides are also looking at collaborating in numerous other energy fields as Asian supply chains add alternatives to relying wholly on Middle East resources.
Russia’s Wildberries & Russ has established a WB Taxi pilot taxi hailing service in Kyrgyzstan as the company both enters the domestic market and tests for a later launch in Russia. WB Taxi users have access to the Standard, Comfort, and Multi fares, 24/7 voice support, and chat functionality. There is also a loyalty programme.
Russia’s Ozon online marketplace has entered Turkmenistan and has partnered with the national postal service to arrange deliveries. Ozon is one of Russia’s largest and pioneering e-commerce companies, often referred to as the “Amazon of Russia”, offering millions of products across multiple categories and sustaining a wide logistics and delivery network. It has had significant growth in Central Asia in recent years.
The Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has met with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in Shymkent to attend a Eurasian Economic Union Intergovernmental Commission. Russia-Kazakh bilateral trade has reached nearly US$30 billion, ahead of schedule, while Russian investment in Kazakhstan has reached US$50 billion. The two countries collaborate in energy, agricultural and numerous engineering sectors.
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