India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC) project
Context:
Recently, India and France announced that they would continue to work closely to implement the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC) project.
Relevance:
GS-02 (Agreements Involving India and/or Affecting India’s Interests)
Key Highlights:
- IMEC Commitment โ India and France pledged to work closely on the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC), first announced at the G-20 Summit 2023, to strengthen trade connectivity.
- Nuclear Energy Cooperation โ Both nations agreed to jointly develop small and advanced modular nuclear reactors, recognising nuclear power as a crucial part of clean energy.
- New Indian Consulate in Marseille โ PM Modi and Macron inaugurated the Indian Consulate General, reinforcing India-France diplomatic and economic ties.
- Raisina Dialogue in Marseille โ The Mediterranean edition of Indiaโs Raisina Dialogue will be hosted in Marseille, fostering global discussions on connectivity, trade, and clean energy.
About India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) Project:
- IMEC is a project that aims to create a comprehensive transportation network, comprising rail, road, and sea routes, across the East Corridor โ connecting India to the Arabian Gulf, and the Northern Corridor โ connecting the Gulf to Europe.
- The signatories of the project are – India, the US, Saudi Arabia, UAE, the European Union, Italy, France, and Germany.
- The IMEC corridor will also include electricity cable, a hydrogen pipeline and a high-speed data cable.
- The corridor is expected to enhance transportation efficiency, reduce costs, and also and lower Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions.