Sonipat (Haryana) (India), January 7 (ANI): The ongoing Middle East conflict is having a negative impact on the ambitious India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), but efforts have not stopped. No, UAE Ambassador Abdulnasser Al-Shahri insisted on Tuesday. .
The project, announced at the 2023 G20 summit in New Delhi, aims to connect India and Europe via a shipping and rail corridor through the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Israel and Greece. The conflict between Israel and Hamas has been going on for 15 months, raising concerns about its progress and viability.
In an interview with ANI, Alshari acknowledged the challenges but stressed the need for alternative supply chains to reduce risks.
“There are developments in the Middle East that have had a negative impact on IMEC’s work, but that does not mean that the work has stopped. Work has been progressing over the past few months,” he said.
“What happened in the Middle East has made everyone think that we should not rely solely on IMEC’s single route. Instead, we should plan alternative routes for better risk mitigation and improve the regional We must secure our future,” he added.
IMEC is envisioned as an innovative connectivity project, involving India, the Gulf and Europe, aiming to enhance trade, economic cooperation and regional integration.
The corridor design includes an eastern route linking India to the Gulf and a northern route linking the Gulf to Europe via rail and maritime networks.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said in October that IMEC is the cornerstone of global connectivity aimed at reducing costs, improving efficiency and reducing emissions while creating jobs and boosting economic growth. He said that.
Earlier in the day, Alshari inaugurated four state-of-the-art padel courts at OP Jindal Global University (JGU) in Sonipat, Haryana. The court is named after the UAE’s major airlines – Air Arabia, Emirates, Etihad Airways and flydubai – and is part of efforts to strengthen bilateral relations through sports diplomacy.
“We chose Jindal to be our number one faculty member. We’ve been working on this project for the past two years, and we’re thrilled to finally be here, open these courts, and be able to play games,” Alshari said. I’m happy (I lost).”
He linked this initiative to broader human connections, highlighting the symbolic link between airlines and sport in fostering mutual bonds.
“People-to-people connections also lead to improved connectivity and access, including flights, between the two countries. Linking airlines and sports shows how important both are to strengthening bilateral relations. I said it would highlight what’s going on.
He also shared plans for further cooperation, noting that the embassy is working on the construction of a Jiu-Jitsu arena and a new sports complex for JGU, while hosting a world cricket match in the UAE.
“Collaboration in Kabaddi is another area we are exploring,” he added.
Mr. Al-Shahri stressed the importance of maintaining bilateral momentum in 2025.
“High-level visits between the two countries will continue. The key is to maintain the momentum and ensure progress in investment and cooperation in diverse areas,” he said. (Ani)
(This story comes from a syndicated feed and has not been edited by Tribune staff.)
