Rail & Logistics Pivot: Russia’s Deputy PM Marat Khusnullin says Moscow should explore a rail link to the Indian Ocean, with possible routing through Turkmenistan, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan to hedge risks around the Bosphorus and Strait of Hormuz. Water Management: Central Asian states approved a plan to automate Syrdarya water accounting, with a working group set up by September, as ministers coordinate reservoir limits and efficiency work. Energy & Fuel Security: A Russia fuel crunch tied to Ukraine drone strikes is spilling into Central Asia; Tajikistan reportedly tripled July fuel imports from Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan as Russian gasoline shipments fell. Power Demand Pressure: Central Asia saw record summer electricity loads, with Uzbekistan hitting a peak of 14.2 GW and cities facing grid strain from hotter weather. Digital Connectivity: Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan completed the subsea section of the Sumqayit–Aktau Trans-Caspian fibre-optic cable, with commercial operations expected by end-2026. Turkmen Human Capital & Industry Support: Ashgabat is running training and production initiatives, including a 10-month “Economist” institute course for under-35s and preparations for school fairs where domestically produced supplies are being sold. Trade & Transit Talks: Afghanistan’s chamber met Turkmen counterparts to propose a new transit corridor from Türkmenabat/Charjow to Mazar-i-Sharif, and invited a Turkmen business mission to Kabul.