Russia-Iran-Azerbaijan sign MoU for ‘Transport Corridor’ -

Tehran: Indications of rapid changes in international equations are being received against the background of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Russia has started delivering shocks on various levels to the front of western countries standing against Russia in the conflict against Ukraine. Increasing cooperation with the Gulf and Asian countries is one of the strategies and ambitious plans like the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) is being expedited. Russia, Iran and Azerbaijan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Monday for this purpose.

Moreover, Russia, Iran and India had planned for the INSTC. But the plan could not progress because of geopolitical tensions and other reasons. But this plan has progressed over the last few years, and India, Russia and Iran have all started efforts to expedite the project. The agreement signed in the Iranian capital of Tehran is a part of the same effort.

Besides, the main objective of the INSTC is to increase the speed and scope of trade through various modes and facilities for transport. These include rail and road routes. Currently, the trade between Iran and Russia passes through Azerbaijan. Sources informed that this MoU was signed to facilitate this trade process further.

Western countries have imposed large-scale sanctions against Russia, given the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Russia has succeeded in bypassing these sanctions using INSTC and other options. Iran also is reaping significant benefits from this and analysts have claimed that Iran is using INSTC to increase its importance on the international level.