As the tentative route is linked to Israel, the evolving situation can have an impact on the plan which was touted as India’s response to China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
The tentative route, as available in several reports, of the corridor connects India to UAE through sea link. From UAE, the plan involves building of rail route which would pass through Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Israel. The corridor will be connected with Europe through a sea link with Israeli ports.
The latest conflict could complicate the matters among the grouping as the Arab states and western powers have different stands on the Israel-Palestine issue.
The entire plan for the IMEC project hasn’t been revealed yet. However, if Middle East is drawn into a prolonged conflict, it could have a bearing on the construction works for the corridor. As per the MoU of the project, it would be funded by G7’s Partnership for Global Infrastructure Investment (PGII) initiative.
With the differing stance of G7 nations and the Middle Eastern powers on the historic conflict between Israel and Palestine, questions have been raised about the prospects of the project.
