In comparison to the Suez Canal route, the IMEC after the completion of the railway network between the UAE’s Jabel Ali and Israel’s Haifa port will result in the cost and time effective seamless movement of goods between India and Europe. As Professor Michael Tanchum has calculated, in comparison to the Suez Canal route, the shipping time between Mumbai and Piraeus- the western nodal port of the corridor in Greece, will be reduced by 40 percent via the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). The IMEC is more than just a business corridor. In addition to cutting shipping costs, times, and fuel usage and improving trade facilitation, the corridor is intended to enhance efficiency, secure regional supply chains, and reduce greenhouse emissions. Above and beyond, it is destined to witness and serve the growing economic independency between India, the Middle East, and Europe, which is further expected to lead to the transformative integration of the economies of India, Europe, and the Middle East.

India’s voice of advocacy for the Global South is being unintentionally amplified by the IMEC’s connections with the Partnership for Global Infrastructure Investment (PGII), a G-7-backed effort to fund infrastructure projects around the world. India’s endeavours for inclusion of the African Union into the G20, the IMEC initiative, and the launch of the Global Biofuels Alliance during the sidelines of the G20 Summit gained support from the West, as the initiatives offered an edge for India over China in the race for advocacy for the concerns of the Global South.  With the commencement of the project, intense strategic manoeuvres are possible in the northern and western Indian Ocean regions. The enhanced involvement of European navies can be seen in the northern Indian Ocean as well as Mediterranean waters. Trilaterals with India and France, will be key to ensure the peace and security in the vicinity of Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Aden.  The naval alliance between China, Pakistan, and Iran needs to be watched, as the Mumbai-Jaleb Ali maritime trade route is not far from the vicinity of Iranian or Pakistani water.

Saudi Arabia is looking forward to elevating their hydrocarbon energy partnership to a comprehensive energy partnership for renewable energy, energy efficiency, petroleum, and strategic petroleum reserves. Professor Michael Tanchum writes, “Building on the establishment of an Arabian strategic reserve in India, the UAE and Saudi Arabia are working with New Delhi to develop an integrated hydrocarbon value chain through the creation of petrochemical manufacturing.” Most of the Middle East countries, usually coping with supply shortages of staple foods, are eyeing the success of the recently initiated Middle East Food Corridor by India, Israel, and the UAE. The success of the food corridor will certainly diversify and strengthen India’s relations with the countries of the Middle East region. In a nutshell, it can be said that three innovations- the establishment of a food corridor (food supply chain), an integrated hydrocarbon value chain, and green energy and innovative technology manufacturing value chains- will invigorate and reconfigure India’s economic and strategic bonding with the Middle East. Moreover, the project, with the support of approximately 8.5 million Indian diasporas in the Middle East, carries immense potential for serving a market for Indian goods.

The corridor is intended to conclude India’s post-participation quest for north-west connectivity. Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science and Technology, precisely said, “Bharat-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor redeems post-partition India’s quest for restoring an extended and deeper connectivity in the region.” Moreover, The IMEC reflects the success of India’s Look West policy; intensified efforts to engage the contrast pillars of the Middle East since the first tenure of the Modi government, coincide with the current state of international politics are now bearing success. Moreover, the proposed corridor is a reflection of India’s growing economic and strategic ties with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Saudi Arabia- the two old trusted allies of Pakistan.  As well, the proposed India-Middle East corridor project is also meant to ensure Pakistan’s continued isolation in the region- it is fascinating to observe how the Government of India is pursuing a successful Pakistan policy without involving a second party (Pakistan).

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/voices/india-middle-east-europe-economic-corridor-geopolitics-economic-promises-and-strategic-rebalances/

****Dr. Amit Kumar is Indian foreign Policy analyst, was Fellow at Prime Minister Museum and Library (PMML).