Israel-Hamas conflict casts shadow on IMEEC Economic Corridor
ECONOMY & POLICY

Israel-Hamas conflict casts shadow on IMEEC Economic Corridor

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has raised concerns about potential disruptions and complications in the India Middle East Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) project, as indicated by the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI). While the immediate impact of the conflict is localised to Israel and Gaza, GTRI emphasises that its repercussions across the Middle East could be significant.

GTRI suggests that the conflict might hinder the possibility of a ground-breaking peace agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia, a crucial element in the IMEEC framework. Despite the absence of formal diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel historically, recent efforts have been made towards normalisation. However, Ajay Srivastava, Co-Founder of GTRI, expresses concerns that the on-going war could impede these diplomatic strides and disrupt any progress achieved.

"The current Israel-Hamas conflict could disrupt the IMEEC project's timelines and outcomes, representing a critical juncture in the corridor's development. While the immediate consequences of the conflict are regional, its geopolitical implications resonate far beyond the area, potentially affecting the proposed economic corridor," Srivastava remarked.

IMEEC, conceived as an economic corridor, aims to bolster economic growth by fostering connectivity and economic integration between Asia, the Persian Gulf, and Europe. The corridor's route is envisioned to stretch from India to Europe, passing through the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Israel, and Greece.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for IMEEC was signed during the recent G20 summit in New Delhi, with the participation of governments from India, the US, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, France, Germany, Italy, and the European Union. The primary objective of the project is to enhance transportation and communication links between Europe and Asia, positioning it as a response to China's Belt and Road Initiative.

Srivastava further highlighted that the disruption in the Middle East, a pivotal section of this corridor, could lead to delays and complications in the project's implementation, underscoring the intricate challenges posed by the ongoing conflict.

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has raised concerns about potential disruptions and complications in the India Middle East Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) project, as indicated by the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI). While the immediate impact of the conflict is localised to Israel and Gaza, GTRI emphasises that its repercussions across the Middle East could be significant. GTRI suggests that the conflict might hinder the possibility of a ground-breaking peace agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia, a crucial element in the IMEEC framework. Despite the absence of formal diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel historically, recent efforts have been made towards normalisation. However, Ajay Srivastava, Co-Founder of GTRI, expresses concerns that the on-going war could impede these diplomatic strides and disrupt any progress achieved. The current Israel-Hamas conflict could disrupt the IMEEC project's timelines and outcomes, representing a critical juncture in the corridor's development. While the immediate consequences of the conflict are regional, its geopolitical implications resonate far beyond the area, potentially affecting the proposed economic corridor, Srivastava remarked. IMEEC, conceived as an economic corridor, aims to bolster economic growth by fostering connectivity and economic integration between Asia, the Persian Gulf, and Europe. The corridor's route is envisioned to stretch from India to Europe, passing through the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Israel, and Greece. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for IMEEC was signed during the recent G20 summit in New Delhi, with the participation of governments from India, the US, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, France, Germany, Italy, and the European Union. The primary objective of the project is to enhance transportation and communication links between Europe and Asia, positioning it as a response to China's Belt and Road Initiative. Srivastava further highlighted that the disruption in the Middle East, a pivotal section of this corridor, could lead to delays and complications in the project's implementation, underscoring the intricate challenges posed by the ongoing conflict.

Next Story
Building Material

Suraj Estate Wins Euromoney Award for India’s Best Residential Developer

"Suraj Estate Developers Limited has received the Euromoney Real Estate Award 2025 for ‘India’s Best Residential Developer’, positioning the company among globally benchmarked leaders in the sector. The recognition reflects its four-decade legacy in delivering high-quality residential and redevelopment-led projects across South Central Mumbai. The Euromoney Real Estate Awards, presented by the London-based Euromoney magazine, are widely regarded as one of the most credible global assessments of performance in real estate, banking and finance. Winners are selected through surveys of inte..

Next Story
Building Material

Lloyds Metals, Tata Steel Sign MoU to Explore Strategic Collaboration

"Lloyds Metals and Energy Limited has signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding with Tata Steel Limited to evaluate potential areas of strategic cooperation across mining, logistics, pelletisation and steelmaking. The MoU was signed by B Prabhakaran, Managing Director of Lloyds Metals, and Mr T V Narendran, CEO and Managing Director of Tata Steel. The partnership framework aims to leverage the natural operational synergies between both companies and assess opportunities in greenfield steel projects, iron ore mining, slurry pipeline infrastructure, pellet manufacturing in iron ore–ric..

Next Story
Building Material

IndiaAI, Gujarat Govt Host Regional Conclave Ahead of 2026 AI Summit

The IndiaAI Mission under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, along with the Government of Gujarat and IIT Gandhinagar, convened a Regional Pre-Summit Event at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar. The initiative is part of the build-up to the India–AI Impact Summit 2026, scheduled for 15–20 February 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The conclave brought together senior policymakers, technology leaders, researchers and industry practitioners to examine how AI can accelerate economic, digital and social transformation across sectors. The programme focused on the overarching th..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Open In App