Nargiza Umarova examines why India should pay closer attention to the Trans-Afghan Corridor as an alternative route for strengthening its connectivity with Central Asia and Eurasia. Against the backdrop of renewed U.S. sanctions on Iran and growing instability in the Middle East, India’s reliance on the Chabahar port and the International North-South Transport Corridor faces increasing uncertainty. The brief argues that these developments create a strategic need for New Delhi to diversify its transport options and consider routes that bypass Iran.
The author highlights the economic and geopolitical relevance of the Termez–Naibabad–Maidanshahr–Logar–Kharlachi railway project, also known as the Trans-Afghan or Kabul Corridor. By linking Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan, the corridor could provide India with a shorter and more cost-effective land route to Central Asian and Eurasian markets. It also has the potential to reduce transport time, expand trade opportunities and strengthen India’s role in a region it increasingly views as part of its extended neighbourhood.
At the same time, the brief acknowledges the political constraints surrounding the project, including India’s difficult relations with Pakistan, instability along the Afghanistan–Pakistan border and China’s growing influence through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Despite these challenges, the author argues that Uzbekistan should intensify diplomatic engagement with India, explain the economic viability of the Kabul Corridor and establish regular consultations with relevant Indian agencies on transport cooperation.
* The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.
