Direct Russia-Pakistan Rail Services As Part Of INSTC Network

Russia and Pakistan are set to be linked by a new freight train line as bilateral talks expand, Islamabad’s Energy Minister Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari has stated in an interview, saying that “It is planned to launch the first train along the North-South logistics route to transport products from Russia to Pakistan as early as next March.”

Leghari also mentioned ongoing talks between Moscow and Islamabad regarding the establishment of direct air service between Moscow and Islamabad, highlighting “interest from both sides” to establish airline connectivity “very soon.” We previously discussed that issue here.

Leghari added that “It has both political and economic dimensions that Pakistan and Russia haven’t seen for a while. They would make it easier for our people to interact, and for businesses to flourish and communicate.”

Pakistan’s ambassador to Moscow, Muhammad Khalid Jamali, also stated Pakistan’s intent to join the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), a 7,200 km-long route connecting Russia and Central Asia with India via Iran, at this summer’s International IT Forum in Khanty-Mansiysk.

Russia-Pakistan bilateral transport and logistics projects were again discussed during the October visit of a delegation from Russia to Islamabad. Chairwoman Valentina Matvienko emphasized the importance of new logistics corridors and welcomed Pakistan’s interest in this project.

On Wednesday, (December 4) Islamabad and Moscow signed eight memorandums of understanding covering various sectors, including health, trade, industrial cooperation, and education. These agreements were reached during the meeting of the Inter-Governmental Commission, which was established about a decade ago.

Both Islamabad and Moscow have previously expressed their commitment to expanding cooperation, particularly in trade. Russia’s ambassador to Pakistan indicated in January that “bilateral trade is showing positive dynamics.” Trade turnover between the two nations stands at approximately US$1 billion.

However, Leghari noted that “There is a trade imbalance between Russia and Pakistan. We want to work towards an environment where this is more balanced,” noting that Pakistan, as a large producer of agricultural commodities, could be an important provider of food to Russia.

Russia-Pakistan overland trade is also increasing along the Trans-Caspian corridor via the Caspian Sea and Iran, with agricultural produce transiting in both directions.