• UGI USER
  • Feb 08, 2024
  • 18 Likes
  • 0 Comments

RESTARTING TALKS ON INDIA-MIDDLE EAST-EUROPE ECONOMIC CORRIDOR (IMEC)

Why in the News?

  • Talks on the IMEC, paused due to the Israel-Gaza war, expected to resume.
  • Visit of Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to India for Raisina Dialogue may kickstart discussions.
  • Discussions aimed at utilizing Greek ports like Piraeus for the corridor’s connectivity to Europe.

About IMEC Project:

  • The proposed India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) will feature Railroad, Ship-to-Rail networks, and Road transport routes spanning two main corridors:
  • The East Corridor: Links India to the Arabian Gulf.
  • The Northern Corridor: Connects the Gulf to Europe.
  • Objective : To establish an extensive transportation network, integrating rail, road, and sea routes to foster connectivity between India, the Middle East, and Europe.
Source: TH
  • Additionally, the IMEC corridor will incorporate essential infrastructure such as an electricity cable, a hydrogen pipeline, and a high-speed data cable.
  • Signatories : India, the US, Saudi Arabia, UAE, the European Union, Italy, France, and Germany.
  • Key ports to be connected include:
  • India: Mundra, Kandla, and Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust.
  • Middle East: Fujairah, Jebel Ali, Abu Dhabi, Dammam, and Ras Al Khair.
  • Europe: Piraeus, Messina, and Marseille.
  • The railway line will link Fujairah port (UAE) to Haifa port (Israel) via Saudi Arabia (Ghuwaifat and Haradh) and Jordan, with Israel’s Haifa port serving as a key hub.