The Russian strategic assumption treats India's distance from Britain as an imperial weakness. A railway and supply route southwards would supposedly allow Russian troops to arrive from home more easily than British reinforcements travelling by sea. Gurkha regiments and other forces challenge the expectation that the British Indian Army would collapse readily. An advance through Persia or Afghanistan would seek a port and direct access to the wider world. Each move also invites British resistance, extending the rivalry across Asia.
Notable Point · 32:59-35:21
The proposed Russian route to India
Russian hopes of supplying an advance into India by rail face capable British Indian forces and persistent British opposition to expansion.