New Delhi: The delay in the implementation of the India-Middle East-Europe Economy Corridor (IMEC) is a matter of "concern" given the current situation in West Asia and the expectation generated after the strengthening of the initiative in last September. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said that now it will have to be "adjusted" a bit.
In an exclusive interview, Jaishankar said all stakeholders of IMEC – a ship-to-rail transit network – are committed to it as they feel it is a "great" initiative.
When asked if the project would be delayed due to the ongoing crisis in West Asia, he said, "It's certainly a matter of concern for us and the kind of expectations we had when the deal was signed in September. We'll have to adjust that a little bit." At least for a few years.
"On the other hand, all parties to the agreement have confirmed that 'we think this is a good idea' and are all committed to it," he said.,
Billed as a pioneering initiative, IMEC envisages a vast road, railway and shipping network between Saudi Arabia, India, the United States and Europe with the aim of ensuring integration between Asia, the Middle East and the West.
"So we have to wait until things stabilize a bit. I think it's a big concern and it's a very complex issue too. Because it's not a single issue on which you can have a black and white decision." Is." Jaishankar said.
"I think you have a variety of concerns there, from terrorism to hostages and humanitarian corridors to the two-state solution," he said in an interview Thursday.,
“So how do you strike the right balance and more importantly, how do you actually work on the ground,” he said.
IMEC also envisages to include a power cable network, hydrogen pipeline, high-speed data cable network to facilitate overall economic development in the partner countries.
The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor is also seen as an initiative of like-minded countries to gain strategic influence over China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which has been increasingly criticized for lack of transparency and neglect. Have faced criticism. Sovereignty of nations.
BRI is a mega connectivity project that connects China with Southeast Asia, Central Asia, Russia and Europe.
The IMEC initiative was strengthened on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Delhi.An agreement for the corridor was signed by India, Saudi Arabia, the European Union, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the US and some other G20 partners.
There has been a delay in implementing this initiative on the ground given the uncertain security situation in West Asia.
Tensions have risen in West Asia after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, killing 1,200 people. Hamas abducted more than 22 others, some of whom were released during the brief ceasefire.
The tension increased further in view of the latest hostility between Iran and Israel.Last month, Iran launched its first direct attack on Israel by firing hundreds of drones and missiles in response to a suspected Israeli attack on its consulate in Damascus on April 1.
India is calling for de-escalation and creation of conditions for the early resumption of direct peace talks towards a two-state solution to the Palestine issue.
In an exclusive interview, Jaishankar said all stakeholders of IMEC – a ship-to-rail transit network – are committed to it as they feel it is a "great" initiative.
When asked if the project would be delayed due to the ongoing crisis in West Asia, he said, "It's certainly a matter of concern for us and the kind of expectations we had when the deal was signed in September. We'll have to adjust that a little bit." At least for a few years.
"On the other hand, all parties to the agreement have confirmed that 'we think this is a good idea' and are all committed to it," he said.,
Billed as a pioneering initiative, IMEC envisages a vast road, railway and shipping network between Saudi Arabia, India, the United States and Europe with the aim of ensuring integration between Asia, the Middle East and the West.
"So we have to wait until things stabilize a bit. I think it's a big concern and it's a very complex issue too. Because it's not a single issue on which you can have a black and white decision." Is." Jaishankar said.
"I think you have a variety of concerns there, from terrorism to hostages and humanitarian corridors to the two-state solution," he said in an interview Thursday.,
“So how do you strike the right balance and more importantly, how do you actually work on the ground,” he said.
IMEC also envisages to include a power cable network, hydrogen pipeline, high-speed data cable network to facilitate overall economic development in the partner countries.
The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor is also seen as an initiative of like-minded countries to gain strategic influence over China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which has been increasingly criticized for lack of transparency and neglect. Have faced criticism. Sovereignty of nations.
BRI is a mega connectivity project that connects China with Southeast Asia, Central Asia, Russia and Europe.
The IMEC initiative was strengthened on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Delhi.An agreement for the corridor was signed by India, Saudi Arabia, the European Union, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the US and some other G20 partners.
There has been a delay in implementing this initiative on the ground given the uncertain security situation in West Asia.
Tensions have risen in West Asia after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, killing 1,200 people. Hamas abducted more than 22 others, some of whom were released during the brief ceasefire.
The tension increased further in view of the latest hostility between Iran and Israel.Last month, Iran launched its first direct attack on Israel by firing hundreds of drones and missiles in response to a suspected Israeli attack on its consulate in Damascus on April 1.
India is calling for de-escalation and creation of conditions for the early resumption of direct peace talks towards a two-state solution to the Palestine issue.
