| Abstract: | Evolved as an alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, and launched during the G-20 Summit in New Delhi in 2023, the India-Middle East Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) seeks to connect India with Europe (Greece) via the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Israel through sea and railway lanes. This multi-modal IMEC, besides transportation, includes renewable energy and a digital network with potentialities to further spread across regions and sectors. This article explores the rationale for such a Western-backed initiative, the benefits to stakeholders and its implications with a focus on India. The article also examines the vulnerabilities of the project, the impact of geopolitical developments and other factors that have brought the project to a standstill today. Evaluating the programme implementation and identifying the grey areas, it speaks of urgent measures required for its revamp with India’s involvement. |
