India Expands Trade with Central Asia Through INSTC’s Eastern Route

07 Mar 2025 CW Team

India has strengthened its trade and connectivity with Central Asia through a recent cargo shipment from Gujarat via the eastern route of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).

The consignment, dispatched from Mundra Port on India's west coast, is en route to Kazakhstan, passing through Iran, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. This development highlights India's strategic use of the eastern route of INSTC to expand trade relations with Central Asia.

The shipment will first reach Iran’s Bandar Abbas port, from where it will be transported by rail across Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan before arriving in Kazakhstan.

The INSTC, a vital trade corridor linking western India to Russia via Iran, comprises three branches. Among them, the eastern route offers the most efficient geographical coverage and trade volume. Beyond facilitating stronger trade ties with Central Asia, this route is increasingly being utilised for commerce with Russia.

This latest shipment reflects India's on-going efforts to diversify trade routes, enhance regional connectivity, and strengthen economic partnerships with Central Asia and other key markets.

News source: Logistics Insider

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