With Western sanctions cutting Russia off from many of its former trading partners in the West, Moscow has turned elsewhere to continue its exports since February 2022. The completion of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) is now a strategic goal for Moscow. The ability to bypass Western-aligned countries will not only be vital for Russia’s economy, but it may also help strengthen Russia’s presence in Central Asia and the South Caucasus. However, this may bring Russia into competition with the trade interests of India and China.
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