Sanctions, geopolitics redraw Eurasian trade routes, experts warn

ISLAMABAD: An international roundtable hosted by Rossiya Segodnya highlighted how sanctions, geopolitical tensions and shifting supply chains are reshaping global logistics and redistributing economic influence across Eurasia.

Experts noted that traditional trade routes are undergoing rapid transformation, with countries increasingly diversifying transport corridors to adapt to new geopolitical realities. The discussion brought together leading analysts and policymakers from across the region, including Natalya Zadonskaya, Sergei Lukonin, Kazbek Maigeldinov, Wang Yiwei and Lakshmi Boojoo.

Opening the session, Zadonskaya said Russia is actively expanding eastern and southern logistics routes to diversify cargo flows, particularly amid disruptions linked to tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and the broader Middle East conflict. She also underscored the growing role of digitalization, revealing that Russia and Azerbaijan have begun testing mutual recognition of electronic signatures to streamline cross-border logistics.

Kazakhstan’s evolving transit strategy was another focal point. Maigeldinov highlighted the development of the “Middle Corridor” linking China, Central Asia and European Union, stressing that a multi-vector logistics policy is essential for maintaining sovereignty and competitiveness in an increasingly contested transport landscape.

Lukonin, representing the Institute of World Economy and International Relations, pointed to China’s expanding role in global logistics. He said Beijing’s investments in transport corridors under initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative go beyond infrastructure, serving as a strategic tool to expand Chinese business presence in international markets.

From a regional connectivity perspective, Boojoo emphasized Mongolia’s importance as a transit bridge between Russia and China. She highlighted the central role of the Trans-Mongolian Railway and outlined future plans for logistics hubs, dry ports and intermodal terminals to boost transit capacity.

Wang Yiwei of Renmin University of China identified broader structural shifts, including the gradual erosion of U.S. dominance, rising regionalization and increased digitalization of trade systems. He called for secure and inclusive transport corridors, reforms in international payment systems and a more resilient global trading architecture.

Adding a South–Central Asian perspective, Khuram Iqbal said the region is moving toward a more multipolar order, where influence is shared among multiple actors rather than dominated by a few powers. However, he cautioned that while trade corridors are often framed as drivers of regional integration, they can also deepen geopolitical competition and marginalize smaller states.

Participants agreed that the future of global logistics will be defined not only by infrastructure development but also by geopolitical alignments, technological innovation and the ability of states to navigate an increasingly complex and competitive trade environment.