International
oi-Prakash KL
US President Donald Trump has extended his support to the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), saying it would help shift the energy infrastructure away from Iranian checkpoints
Speaking at multilateral meeting with the Gulf Cooperation Council on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session, the US President said, “Iran’s terrorist attacks on commercial shipping in neighbouring countries have shown the need to shift Middle East energy infrastructure away from the Iranian checkpoints,” Trump said.
Launched in Sept 2023, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) has US President Donald Trump’s support to shift energy infrastructure away from Iran. This multi-nation project aims to enhance trade between India, the Middle East, and Europe.
“That is why my administration strongly supports the India-Middle East Economic Corridor and other places to get oil out, whether it is pipeline or anything else. Together we are on the verge of overcoming challenges that have plagued this region for a decade,” he added.
The IMEC was unveiled in September 2023 during the G20 Summit in New Delhi. India, the US, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, France, Germany, Italy and the European Union signed an agreement outlining plans for an integrated network covering railways, shipping, energy and digital connectivity.
The proposed corridor has two main sections. The eastern leg is planned to connect India with the Gulf, while the northern leg would link the Gulf with Europe. A railway network is envisaged as part of the project, alongside shipping routes, an electricity and digital cable, and a pipeline for transporting clean hydrogen.
The project is aimed at improving trade and connectivity between India, the Middle East and Europe while reducing transit times and creating additional supply routes. It has also been viewed as a strategic counterweight to China’s Belt and Road Initiative and a way of reducing dependence on vulnerable regional chokepoints.
The security of energy and shipping routes has gained renewed attention following disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important maritime passages for oil and gas shipments.
Despite the renewed focus, IMEC is yet to move into full-scale implementation. The project continues to face challenges linked to regional conflicts, security concerns and the complex coordination required among participating countries.
Trump again warns Iran
Trump also repeated his warning against Iran, echoing remarks he made earlier at the UN General Assembly.
“We’ve isolated Iran financially, and hopefully they’ll do the right thing fast,” he said, while warning that there could eventually be a point beyond which the US would not allow Iran to survive as a nation.
Trump also referred to the US military operation against Iran’s nuclear facilities last year, saying Operation Midnight Hammer had “obliterated” the country’s nuclear programme and left its facilities buried under rubble.
