Link to article: https://www.afghanistantimes.af/russia-ready-to-expand-transport-routes-through-afghanistan-to-south-asia/
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin recently stated that Russia is prepared to work on the expansion of Eurasian transport routes, down to Afghanistan and South Asia. Following a meeting with Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov, Mishutin spoke on the expansion saying, “its implementation will boost trade and economic cooperation between all project participants.” Mishutin has continued to speak on the matter, both on the lasting impacts it will have on trade and that Russian investors are ready to help fund upgrades. Uzbekistan and Aripov are also on board with Mishutin, pushing for the developments to, “allow access to promising markets.” These two countries are among others in talks of launching a multimodal transportation corridor, which will connect Belarus, Russia, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, and Pakistan. A primary target is initiating the construction of a railroad, among other transportation improvements.
These multinational discussions will provide a clearer and boosted trade connection between Russia and its trans-Afghan and South-Asian partners. Uzbekistan is showing an expressed interest in these talks intensifying, revealing that they believe in definite benefits. It is obvious that these trans-Afghan countries are seeing economic opportunities, however, it uncovers a sense of urgency from Russia. With Russia’s current state of exertion of capital, people, and resources, the want to intensify trade with these countries shows desperation. Russia has been looking to take land they believe they are entitled to, requiring significant economic health and growth for the time being. A major transportation corridor between these states also displays an obvious display of trust. Disregarding what it signifies in regards to relations, it provides a clear route to economic expansion for these Eurasian states.
Speeding up the expansion process between these states will require swift policy implementation. Outside of just talks, policies and diplomatic discussions will need to ensue and continue in order to lay down the ground work for the expansion looking to be put in place. If implemented successfully, these railroads and transportation improvements will lead to a significant increase in trade. This trade will come with increased relationships between these countries, but also lead to other diplomatic discussions on the economic end. These building relationships may also very well lead to IGOs necessary to maintain a balance of economics and trade with these direct ties.