Russia has floated the idea of building a rail route to India as a hedge against the risks associated with the Strait of Hormuz.

Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin told TASS in an interview that Russia needs to build a rail link to the Indian Ocean to reduce risks from maritime disruptions in the chokepoint. He said any options providing access to India would be acceptable.

India and Russia are traditional friends, with close diplomatic ties that grew through the Cold War and have endured despite Western sanctions on Moscow.

“A rail link to the Indian Ocean should also be explored. Risks related to the Bosphorus and the Strait of Hormuz might require alternative routes,” Khusnullin said.

The Bosphorus, a narrow strait that connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara, is controlled by Turkey. The Russia-Ukraine conflict has led to attacks on commercial shipping in the Black Sea, disrupting trade.

The US-Israeli attack on Iran has also largely blocked the strategic Strait of Hormuz through which a fifth of the world’s energy previously passed.

Khusnullin added that routes could be explored through Turkmenistan, Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. “Any options providing access to India are acceptable,” he said.

India has become the second-largest importer of Russian oil, behind China, as it seeks to secure energy supplies amid the disruptions in the Mideast. India’s crude imports from Russia surged to a record high last month, accounting for 55% of its total crude oil purchases. 

Bilateral trade has also surged, with both countries setting a $100 billion goal by 2030.

New Delhi has also shown active interest in the Northern Sea Route, also called the Arctic route, as it explores alternative trade conduits.