BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 29. The primary challenges facing the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) include the insufficient transportation infrastructure in northern Iran and uncertainties surrounding the functionality of the Northern Sea Route, Trend reports via the English-language edition of The Japan Times.
"The corridor confronts problems such as Iran's undeveloped transportation infrastructure in the south as well as the ongoing threat of Arctic ice in the North Sea Route, which persists despite global warming. Russia is prepared to invest billions in expanding this route, notably in Iran's territory (the Rasht-Astara train portion), recognizing considerable benefits in the INSTC," the article in the Japanese edition says.
The main advantage of the North-South Corridor is its geographical isolation from Western interference.
"The transportation routes traversing Iran and the Arctic Sea present an opportunity for Moscow to pivot towards Asian powers such as China and India, as well as several European nations. These routes have the potential to position Russia as a focal point for international trade, despite efforts by the US and its allies to isolate the country," the article says.
The experts acknowledge that the North-South could cut transit times by 30–50 percent compared to the Suez Canal and avoid the security problems that plague the Red Sea, where Husitan rebels have attacked merchant ships.
"The US and its Western allies are avoiding the routes promoted by Russia despite the possibility of saving a lot of money, while major economies in Asia and the Persian Gulf have shown interest in them," the analysis emphasizes.
The article cites a recent study by the Eurasian Development Bank that the capacity of the INSTC, which includes both branches through Central Asia and the Caspian Sea, could increase by 85 percent by 2030 to 35 million tons.
"INSTC will connect Russia with Iran and India, and possibly the rest of South Asia, the Persian Gulf, and Africa. This means more and more countries will be moving away from direct Western control with alternative trade," the Japan Times summarized.
The International North-South Transport Corridor, established in 2000, boasts the participation of 14 countries, with Azerbaijan among its members.