Russia, India Deepen Economic Ties with New North-South Corridors

• India and Russia signed a Vision 2030 roadmap to deepen economic partnership, focusing on trade expansion and new connectivity initiatives.
• Russia is accelerating the International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC) to reorient trade towards Asia, West Asia, and Africa, and secure stable export routes.
• The INSTC, linking Russia/Belarus to the Indian Ocean, has three branches; the eastern branch is more active, while the western branch remains incomplete.
• Experts note the INSTC's revival is not primarily due to Western sanctions, as it's a long-standing project, and maritime shipping remains dominant for India-Russia trade.
• For India, the INSTC offers potential for shorter transit times, cheaper logistics, and access to Central Asian and Eurasian markets, supporting its role as a key partner.

Why It Matters: These new corridors could offer India cheaper, faster trade routes and market access.