The China factor in the new India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor

CENTRE FOR INDIA WEST ASIA DIALOGUE

Following the announcement of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) at the recent G20 conference, there has been some media commentary regarding the impact this might have on China and its Belt and Road Initiative. China critics in Washington and New Delhi argue that the announcement offers an alternative to the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative, which since 2013 has captured both regional attention alongside substantial contracts in infrastructure construction across the Eurasian landmass and including in the Gulf.

However, the IMEC is a vision that currently lacks details.

The proposal envisages a two-stage development, boosting connectivity between India, the Middle East and Europe through the enhancement of existing infrastructure and the development of new routes via land and sea. They would include a highspeed railway across the Arabian peninsula, cables to facilitate high speed digital connectivity and a pipeline providing clean hydrogen energy. The route would cut across Saudi Arabia, linking ports on its east coast and in the UAE with those in Israel, via Jordan.

The detail of the IMEC, including financing and likely partners, is expected to be fleshed out over the next two months. Already though, some policy makers in Washington, New Delhi and European capitals hope that it might blunt Chinese influence and head start in the regional connectivity and infrastructure race through its Belt and Road Initiative.

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