Zangezur Corridor: Location, History, Significance and India’s Concerns

Explore the Zangezur Corridor, a proposed transport route to connect Azerbaijan's mainland with Nakhchivan via Armenia. Understand its geopolitical significance for regional trade, energy, and relations between Azerbaijan, Armenia, Turkey, Iran, and Russia.

Table of Contents

Context: Armenia raised concerns in May 2025 over the proposed Zangezur Corridor, backed by Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Pakistan, fearing threats to its sovereignty and regional balance.

Zangezur Corridor

Geographical Context

The Zangezur Corridor is a proposed transport route intended to connect mainland Azerbaijan with its exclave, the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, by passing through Armenia’s Syunik Province.
The corridor would traverse Armenia’s southern Syunik Province, linking Azerbaijan to Nakhchivan.
Length: Approximately 43 kilometers.

Historical Background

During Soviet times, transport links existed between Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan through Armenian territory.
These links were disrupted due to conflicts, notably the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, leading to blockades and severed connections.

Significance

Economic: The corridor aims to enhance regional trade by providing a direct route between Azerbaijan and Turkey, potentially boosting economic activities in underdeveloped areas of Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Turkey.
Geopolitical: It could serve as a strategic link connecting Turkey to the Turkic nations of Central Asia, aligning with pan-Turkic aspirations.

Stakeholders’ Positions

Azerbaijan & Turkey: Strong proponents, viewing it as a means to strengthen regional connectivity and economic ties.
Armenia: Expresses concerns over sovereignty and territorial integrity, wary of potential geopolitical shifts.
Iran: Opposes the corridor, fearing it may alter regional dynamics and reduce its influence over transit routes.
Russia: Supports the corridor as part of broader regional integration efforts, but faces criticism from Iran.

Recent Developments

2020 Ceasefire Agreement: Post the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War, the ceasefire agreement included provisions to unblock regional transport links, indirectly referencing the corridor.
Ongoing Negotiations: Discussions continue, with disagreements over the corridor’s status and operational control.

India’s Concerns

India supports Armenia, which sees the corridor as a threat to its territorial integrity.
The corridor strengthens Turkey-Azerbaijan-Pakistan ties, potentially isolating India.
It may undermine India’s INSTC and benefit China’s BRI.
India shares Iran’s concern, as the corridor bypasses traditional Iran-Armenia trade routes.
Risks escalating conflict in the South Caucasus, affecting India’s connectivity and strategic interests.