Trump Backs India-Middle East Economic Corridor, Questions Remain Over Saudi Participation
· World · Hindustan Times, The Hindu, NDTV
US President Donald Trump endorsed the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) during the United Nations General Assembly, calling it a viable route linking Gulf oil suppliers to consumers in Europe and the Indian subcontinent. The corridor links India's Mundra port to the UAE's Fujairah port via sea lanes, then uses a solar-powered rail network through Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Israel before reaching Europe via ships from Haifa port. Trump has offered Saudi Arabia a civil nuclear deal and USD 24 billion worth of F-35 fighters to encourage its participation in the Abraham Accords, which is seen as key to IMEC's realization. However, Saudi Arabia has joined a defence pact with Turkey and Pakistan, both of which oppose Israel, creating a new obstacle to the corridor's completion. The report notes that Trump remains deeply concerned about this 'Mecca defence pact' and its potential to undermine American influence in West Asia.
Why it matters
Could reshape global energy trade routes by reducing dependence on chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz and Suez Canal, benefiting Indian energy security. Success depends on Saudi Arabia's geopolitical alignment, which currently appears uncertain due to its new defence partnerships.
Read the original report — Hindustan Times
Join us on Telegram
Breaking news the moment it lands. At 10,000 members we ship the Android app.