The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) is more than a physical infrastructure project—it is a bold and visionary attempt to reshape global connectivity. With its potential to link South Asia, the Gulf (GCC), and the European Union through a seamless network of railways, ports, and digital infrastructure, IMEC promises to redefine the future of trade, investment, and regional cooperation.
“My first thought naturally turns to supply chains,” said Shri Dammu Ravi, Secretary (ER), MEA, during his address at the IMEC Conclave 2025 in New Delhi. “In today’s world, where global supply chains are increasingly vulnerable and disrupted, IMEC presents a powerful framework to reimagine and rebuild resilient, diversified routes.”
Indeed, IMEC is not just about creating new transit routes—it is about fortifying the lifelines of commerce and enabling smarter, more secure logistics that can withstand future shocks.
Connecting Continents, Creating Opportunities
Shri Ravi emphasised the unique geostrategic value of IMEC, calling it “a landmass across Asia, connecting through sea links” and “bringing in three major regions together—South Asia, the Gulf, and the European Union.” The connectivity offered by this corridor is set to impact a vast group of countries, each poised to benefit from increased trade flows, economic integration, and collaborative growth.
This collaboration is not new in concept, he acknowledged, citing earlier initiatives such as the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway. However, what sets IMEC apart is its scale, speed, and ambition. “Projects of this magnitude—worth $500–600 billion—require a consortium-like effort involving businesses, financial institutions, and governments. If successful, IMEC can become a major trendsetter,” he noted.
Gati Shakti and the Domestic Connect
At the national level, Shri Ravi highlighted India’s PM Gati Shakti initiative as a natural domestic complement to IMEC. “India can get value if it is able to plug in Gati Shakti to the IMEC. That should be our number one priority,” he stated.
He pointed out that as corridors emerge, they tend to organically stimulate the development of manufacturing zones. IMEC, if integrated wisely with India’s internal logistics infrastructure, could catalyse industrial clusters along its path, generating jobs and transforming regional economies.
Strategic and Societal Impact
Beyond economic growth, Shri Ravi underscored the corridor’s potential to promote stability in regions often plagued by conflict. “Greater job creation, greater economic value, and greater interlinkages will also reduce conflicts,” he said. By building interdependence and stakes in peace, IMEC could serve as a strategic buffer against unrest.
He called upon Indian businesses to expand their outlook. “Indian industry has long looked inward, but as we aim for a $5 trillion economy—and beyond—we must think globally,” he emphasised. With backing from the Ministry of External Affairs through brand promotion and Lines of Credit, Indian firms are well-positioned to become global players within the IMEC framework.
Digital Advantage and Financial Connectivity
India’s success in Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and fintech is another strength, Shri Ravi highlighted. “These are low-cost solutions, easily implementable across the IMEC geography. If leveraged right, India could have the first-mover advantage,” he asserted.
He added that fintech could also address challenges such as currency diversity and cross-border transaction efficiency. In a corridor as vast as IMEC, digital tools can act as the glue binding disparate systems together.
Addressing the Challenges
While IMEC is full of promise, Shri Ravi was candid about the hurdles ahead. “Yes, conflicts are one challenge, but equally important is the need for coordination,” he noted. He called for the creation of a dedicated IMEC Secretariat to drive the project’s vision and execution.
Another pressing need is regulatory harmonisation. “Today, across countries, there are different standards and regulations. We need to find a mechanism to bring harmonisation among the countries in that space,” he urged.
A Long-Term Vision
Shri Ravi concluded his address with a compelling call to remain focused on the long-term vision. “We cannot think of IMEC as a short-term opportunity. If that is your interest, then it’s all going to just collapse,” he warned. “All the players involved must see this as a win-win game, with shared goals and sustained commitment.”
The IMEC Conclave 2025 thus marked a turning point in India’s articulation of its role in shaping global connectivity frameworks. With strategic foresight, institutional leadership, and an inclusive approach, India stands ready to anchor and accelerate the realisation of this transformative corridor.
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