Russia, Iran INSTC Trade Volumes Could Reach 15 Million Tonnes By 2028/29

The Iranian Ambassador to Russia, Kazem Jalali, has said that the cargo transit by the eastern branch of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) may reach its potential capacity of 15 million tonnes in three to four years. He was speaking at the Caspian Media Forum 2025 in Astrakhan.

Jalali stated that “The eastern branch of the INSTC comprises Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Iran. It was activated in 2023. About 2 million tonnes of cargo were brought from there in 2024. The eastern branch is in very good shape. There is a potential, an opportunity to reach up to 15 million tonnes of cargo. Such quantities are unlikely in 2025; it will take time. I believe this can be achieved in three to four years.” An increase in cargo transportation is also expected in 2025, he said.

To put that volume into perspective, 15 million tonnes is more than is processed by the Netherlands Rotterdam Port each year.

Iran is interested in Russia’s supply of grain, oilseeds, oil, paper and livestock products, Jalali said, stating “Our relations have many areas. We are cooperating in nuclear power plants, medications, medical equipment and procurement of vessels.”

The INSTC connects northern Europe to Persian Gulf countries and the Indian Ocean via Russia, the Caucasus and Central Asia, with the multimodal corridor agreement originally signed by Russia, Iran and India in 2000. It now has 12 member participants. The corridor has three branches, including the western branch that goes along the western coast of the Caspian Sea, the eastern along the eastern coast of the Caspian Sea, and the trans-Caspian across the Caspian Sea.