PM: Russia, Iran push forward on “North–South” transport corridor

Russia and Iran are intensifying efforts to develop the international “North–South” transport corridor, aimed at enhancing connectivity across the Eurasian region, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said on August 15.

Speaking at a meeting with Iranian First Vice-President Mohammad Reza Aref, Mishustin described the corridor as a strategic route that will strengthen transport logistics between the two countries and beyond, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

“In terms of transport logistics, we are working closely together on the development of the ‘North–South’ corridor,” he said, adding that the project would link key economic hubs across Eurasia.

The “North–South” transport corridor is a major international logistics initiative designed to link Russia, Iran, and India, providing a faster and more efficient alternative to traditional maritime routes between Northern Europe and South Asia.

Launched in the early 2000s, the corridor aims to facilitate the movement of goods via rail, road, and sea, reducing transit times by nearly half compared with the Suez Canal route. It connects Russian ports on the Baltic and Caspian Seas with Iranian ports in the Persian Gulf, and from there to India and beyond.

The project is seen as a strategic effort to enhance trade, strengthen regional economic integration, and diversify transport options, reducing reliance on single corridors vulnerable to geopolitical tensions.

Russia and Iran have been the main drivers of the initiative, investing in infrastructure upgrades, port development, and logistical coordination. Analysts view the corridor as a key component in shaping Eurasian connectivity and regional influence in global trade.

By Aghakazim Guliyev