India, UAE, and Saudi Arabia Propel IMEEC Amid Middle East Challenges

India Strengthens Collaboration with UAE and Saudi Arabia to Propel IMEEC Amid Middle East Conflicts

New Delhi: India is actively collaborating with the UAE and Saudi Arabia to advance the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC), even as escalating conflicts in the Middle East have hindered its full implementation.

In order to improve commerce, connectivity, and supply chain efficiency, the IMEEC was announced in September 2023 during the G20 Summit in New Delhi. Its goal is to connect India to Europe through the Middle East. The eastern portion of the corridor connects India to the Gulf, while the northern portion connects the Gulf to Europe. It promises game-changing advantages like lower greenhouse gas emissions, jobs, cost savings, and enhanced regional trade.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, addressing a conference in Rome, highlighted the ongoing efforts on the eastern side of the corridor involving India, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. Despite complications from the West Asian conflict, he assured that progress continues on this front.

Challenges Posed by Middle East Conflicts
The region’s continuous crises has made IMEEC’s implementation more difficult. The region has become unstable as a result of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel and the military response that followed, which caused heavy losses in Gaza. The geopolitical environment has been further upended by the conflict’s expansion due to responses from Iran, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the Houthis in Yemen.

The world situation is already under stress due to two major conflicts, insecure supply chains, impaired marine connectivity, catastrophic climate events, and the COVID-19 pandemic’s aftereffects, Jaishankar said.

India’s Steps to Move IMEEC Forward
To strengthen collaboration for the IMEEC, India and the UAE inked an intergovernmental framework agreement in February 2024. This deal establishes the foundation for creating a strong logistics platform that manages supply chain services and freight by integrating a digital ecosystem.

India and Saudi Arabia are also collaborating closely to guarantee the corridor’s advancement. These initiatives demonstrate the nation’s dedication to the mission in spite of geopolitical obstacles.

India’s Stance on the Middle East Conflict
Jaishankar emphasized India’s unequivocal condemnation of terrorism and large-scale civilian casualties, stressing the need for adherence to international humanitarian law. In order to address the future of the Palestinian people, he called for a two-state solution as well as an immediate ceasefire in the area.

Additionally, India has sent humanitarian aid to Palestine via the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and direct routes. India has urged moderation and more communication to stop the tension from getting worse while keeping lines of communication open with Iran and Israel.

IMEEC: A Beacon of Hope
Despite the challenges, IMEEC holds the promise of transforming connectivity and economic cooperation between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. By fostering collaboration with the UAE and Saudi Arabia, India aims to overcome obstacles and realize the corridor’s potential to drive regional growth and stability.