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Key Features of IMEC:
- Announced at the 2023 G20 Summit to boost connectivity and economic integration between Asia, the Arabian Gulf, and Europe.
- Two legs:
- Eastern Leg – From India’s west coast to UAE by sea, then high-speed freight rail via Saudi Arabia & Jordan to Haifa, Israel.
- Western Leg – Haifa to Greece & Italy by sea, then European rail networks to final destinations.
- Plans for digital & electricity connectivity cables, clean hydrogen pipelines, and infrastructure upgrades.
- Aims to standardise tariffs, improve insurance, and integrate port & rail capacities across the corridor.
Geopolitical Context
- Born during a rare phase of Middle East stability (2023) amid Arab-Israel normalisation talks and regional rapprochements.
- War in Gaza since late 2023 has disrupted plans:
- Jordan–Israel ties at a low.
- Saudi–Israel normalisation stalled due to renewed focus on Palestinian statehood.
- Israel’s expanded conflict in Lebanon, Yemen, Syria, Iraq, and with Iran raises trade risks & insurance costs.
Strategic Importance
- Could offer a secure alternative to the Red Sea route, threatened by Houthi attacks.
- Vital for Israel’s regional economic integration.
- Eastern leg benefits from India’s strong ties with UAE & Saudi Arabia (e.g., UPI-enabled fund transfers).
Challenges
- Western leg unlikely soon without Middle East stability.
- Corridor’s success hinges on resolving long-standing conflicts, especially Palestine.
- Until peace returns, progress will be limited to preparatory work and selective bilateral cooperation.
Why in News?
- India hosted a multi-nation meeting to review progress on the IMEC, aimed at cutting India–Europe shipping time by ~40%, but its future is clouded by Middle East conflicts.
