In News:

The Zangezur Corridor gained renewed attention following the visit of Armenia’s Security Council Secretary to New Delhi, where he held discussions with India’s National Security Advisor, AjitDoval.

What is the Zangezur Corridor?

The Zangezur Corridor is a proposed transport and transit route that aims to connect mainland Azerbaijan with its exclave, the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, by bypassing Armenia’s Syunik Province. The corridor passes through the Zangezur region, which is currently part of southern Armenia and has been a historically disputed territory since World War I.

Geographical and Strategic Linkages

• On the Azerbaijani side, the corridor integrates with the Horadiz-Agbend highway and railway infrastructure.
• On the Turkish side, it connects with the Nakhchivan-Igdir-Kars railway and highway, creating a direct land route from Azerbaijan to Turkey, and further west to Anatolia and Europe.
• The corridor, therefore, would serve as a critical land bridge across the South Caucasus, improving connectivity between Europe and Asia.

Economic and Strategic Significance

• The corridor is envisioned to:
  • Boost regional trade and connectivity across Turkey, Azerbaijan, Iran, Russia, and Central Asia.
  • Reduce transportation time and costs between Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan.
  • Improve logistics infrastructure and increase supply chain efficiency across the region.
• It has implications for wider Eurasian integration, especially as global trade seeks alternatives to vulnerable chokepoints like the Suez Canal.

India’s Strategic Interest

India's engagement with the Zangezur Corridor gained attention after a meeting between India’s National Security Advisor and Armenia’s Security Council Secretary in New Delhi.

India’s interests in the region include:

• Chabahar Port in Iran: India’s investment here aims to create a secure route to Central Asia and Europe.
• Engagement with Armenia: India has been increasing strategic and defence cooperation with Armenia.
• Alternative Connectivity: The Zangezur Corridor challenges India’s north-south connectivity vision, as it could marginalize the Chabahar route if dominated by Turkish-Azerbaijani interests.
• Geopolitical Balance: India's presence helps counterbalance Turkish-Pakistani influence in the South Caucasus.