Assessing the effect of INSTC on India’s trade with Eurasia: an application of gravity model

AbstractIndia’s trade with Eurasian countries has been improving steadily. India is aggressively addressing its troubles of accessibility and connectivity to the region, primarily through International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC). The present study has been undertaken to empirically examine the impact of INSTC on India’s export to its member countries. Using gravity model of international trade in a panel data framework, the findings show that both distance and if a trade partner is landlocked, effect India’s export negatively. Additionally, a positive effect of INSTC on India’s export was also discovered, elucidating the need to quickly remove the bottlenecks holding back the success of the project. Knowledge transfer and investment in infrastructure is solicited to facilitate the smooth transfer of goods, which will entail economic benefits for all members and also provide a counter narrative to China’s increasing influence in the region.