TEHRAN – In a significant development for Eurasian connectivity, Iran and Russia have pledged to expedite the implementation of a major international transport corridor designed to link South Asia with Northern Europe. The commitment was solidified during high-level talks held in Tehran on Tuesday between Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, and Vitaly Savelyev, Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister for Transport.
The discussions centered on the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), a multi-modal network of ship, rail, and road routes. Mr. Larijani emphasized Iran’s full preparedness to advance the project, declaring the nation’s intention to promptly eliminate existing executive and institutional hurdles. He confirmed that Iran would enact all necessary agreements to provide a robust legal and administrative foundation for the corridor’s construction and operation.
Echoing this determination, Deputy Prime Minister Savelyev welcomed Iran’s decisive stance and affirmed Moscow’s readiness to transition the ambitious initiative into its operational phase. Both officials underscored that the INSTC represents a cornerstone of their joint strategic objective to fortify sustainable bilateral cooperation and establish independent regional supply chains, reducing reliance on traditional routes.
The project gained substantial momentum in July 2023 when the two nations signed an executory contract for a critical 162-kilometer railway segment within Iran. This rail link, upon completion, will connect the northern Iranian cities of Rasht and Astara, forming a vital segment of the broader corridor and significantly enhancing freight capacity across the region.