IMEC (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – IR)
Context: Despite the recent Israeli war in Gaza destabilizing plans for the India-Middle East Economic Corridor (IMEC), the Greek Prime Minister urged India and Greece to persevere with the peace project during his visit to New Delhi.
India – Middle East – Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC)
- About: The IMEC is being envisioned as a network of transport corridors, including railway lines and sea lanes, that is expected to aid economic growth through integration between Asia, the Arabian Gulf, and Europe.
- Aim: The arrangement will include a railway route that, upon completion, will provide a reliable and cost-effective cross-border ship-to-rail transit network to supplement existing maritime and road transport routes.
oThis will enable goods and services to transit to, from, and between India, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Israel, and Europe.
- Part of: The project is a part of the Partnership for Global Infrastructure Investment (PGII).
- Countries involved: India, USA, Saudi Arabia, UAE, European Union, Italy, France and Germany.
- Significance of the IMEC
oAlternative to BRI: This project reflects emerging geopolitical trends as it offers an alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)..
oDeepening Arabian Peninsula: The Indian government’s efforts to strengthen political and strategic ties with the UAE and Saudi Arabia can now be further solidified by creating enduring connectivity between India and the Arabian Peninsula.
oIntegration of Europe: The corridor signifies Europe’s active involvement in infrastructure development in the region.
oEngagement with Africa: The U.S. and the EU have proposed plans to establish a Trans-African corridor connecting Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Zambia.
