Thanks for another informative post. However, a few points are in order. 1- There is no train to Dubai, even if figuratively but a shipload to Fujairah port! 2. India has nothing much to do as our ports on the Wester coast are ready to ship. Similarly, Ethihad Rail and Saudi Rail network is mostly done except around Jordan side. So IMEC is essentially a strategic initiative ( as it brings us closer to Gulf and Levant countries) and can benefit India if we get contract for various rail construction projects. 3. IMEC can be used by China or Pakistan or by anyone for shipment. So it helps China as well in good times! OF course, CPEC was never a viable or sensible project if China wanted to ship good from Gwadar to mainland China. But IMEC de-risks Suez canal route and is a visionary step. Similarly, Chabhar is not affected as it is meant for trade across Iran to Central Asia to Eastern side of Europe. 4. So Modi must be credited for this work. In fact, Modi deserves Nobel Peace Prize for his work during last few years, including Covid times, G 20, Ukraine war, Uri-Balakot-Dhoklam-Galwan etc. Why no one is talking about it?
Thank you so much for your thoughts. The headline was a take off from the cult novel by Khuswant Singh. Absolutely there is no train link from India. Was simply trying to explain to readers the scale of difficulty that is being overcome through this economic corridor.
And you are spot on. This is not a proprietary corridor. Just like setting up a high speed highway with multilateral investments and letting all stakeholders use it to move commercial goods. And as money talks, these countries will be less apart politically.
And thank you for unpacking the economic and strategic play of the project. It fleshes the idea out further.
Very interesting and informative article on this ambitious project!! The 300 km corridor will surely help to boost trade , transport, energy resources and improve digital connectivity.Also it will be an alternate supply chain in the post pandemic world order.
Absolutely, this corridor promises to emerge as a supply chain with many stakeholders vested in its success. This is the source of sustainability of the idea. Unlike say the BRI which was a top down approach adopted by the Chinese to spread their mercantile interests.
An insightful article on a topical subject and very skillfully written. What is becoming increasingly clear is the trust and goodwill of India, due to it's peaceful and inclusive attitude. Although China initiated BRI but the world has witnessed the debt trap that some smaller nations have fallen into; even during the G 20 summit in New Delhi, the Zambian leader was in Beijing, trying to work out a debt repayment plan. The BRI has not benefitted the partner countries, as neither has it generated employment and nor has it helped to increase trade; it has been only Chinese one way traffic. In the background of this glaring exploitation by China that the trade corridor between Europe and India, through the Middle East and Israel has been mapped, with a clear agenda of benefitting all participating countries and other countries also, who would be interested to use this corridor. Employment, trade and prosperity are the objectives and hence it is a win win situation for all. India's role in this project is a key component. Keep updating us Anil. Great write up.
Couldn't agree with you more on BRI. My only point is that the world has woken up to Chinese mercantile ambitions rather late. The debt traps faced by Africa, Sri Lanka and Pakistan could have been avoided.
Because it suited western interests at that point of time there was not a murmer as the Chinese went about stitiching such deals together. Better late than never I guess.
Thanks for another informative post. However, a few points are in order. 1- There is no train to Dubai, even if figuratively but a shipload to Fujairah port! 2. India has nothing much to do as our ports on the Wester coast are ready to ship. Similarly, Ethihad Rail and Saudi Rail network is mostly done except around Jordan side. So IMEC is essentially a strategic initiative ( as it brings us closer to Gulf and Levant countries) and can benefit India if we get contract for various rail construction projects. 3. IMEC can be used by China or Pakistan or by anyone for shipment. So it helps China as well in good times! OF course, CPEC was never a viable or sensible project if China wanted to ship good from Gwadar to mainland China. But IMEC de-risks Suez canal route and is a visionary step. Similarly, Chabhar is not affected as it is meant for trade across Iran to Central Asia to Eastern side of Europe. 4. So Modi must be credited for this work. In fact, Modi deserves Nobel Peace Prize for his work during last few years, including Covid times, G 20, Ukraine war, Uri-Balakot-Dhoklam-Galwan etc. Why no one is talking about it?
Dear Surendra,
Thank you so much for your thoughts. The headline was a take off from the cult novel by Khuswant Singh. Absolutely there is no train link from India. Was simply trying to explain to readers the scale of difficulty that is being overcome through this economic corridor.
And you are spot on. This is not a proprietary corridor. Just like setting up a high speed highway with multilateral investments and letting all stakeholders use it to move commercial goods. And as money talks, these countries will be less apart politically.
And thank you for unpacking the economic and strategic play of the project. It fleshes the idea out further.
Look forward to your continued participation.
Best
Anil
Dear Anil,
Very interesting and informative article on this ambitious project!! The 300 km corridor will surely help to boost trade , transport, energy resources and improve digital connectivity.Also it will be an alternate supply chain in the post pandemic world order.
Dear Vandana,
Thank you so much for your thoughts.
Absolutely, this corridor promises to emerge as a supply chain with many stakeholders vested in its success. This is the source of sustainability of the idea. Unlike say the BRI which was a top down approach adopted by the Chinese to spread their mercantile interests.
Best
Anil
An insightful article on a topical subject and very skillfully written. What is becoming increasingly clear is the trust and goodwill of India, due to it's peaceful and inclusive attitude. Although China initiated BRI but the world has witnessed the debt trap that some smaller nations have fallen into; even during the G 20 summit in New Delhi, the Zambian leader was in Beijing, trying to work out a debt repayment plan. The BRI has not benefitted the partner countries, as neither has it generated employment and nor has it helped to increase trade; it has been only Chinese one way traffic. In the background of this glaring exploitation by China that the trade corridor between Europe and India, through the Middle East and Israel has been mapped, with a clear agenda of benefitting all participating countries and other countries also, who would be interested to use this corridor. Employment, trade and prosperity are the objectives and hence it is a win win situation for all. India's role in this project is a key component. Keep updating us Anil. Great write up.
Dear Gautam,
Thank you so much. Glad you liked the piece.
Couldn't agree with you more on BRI. My only point is that the world has woken up to Chinese mercantile ambitions rather late. The debt traps faced by Africa, Sri Lanka and Pakistan could have been avoided.
Because it suited western interests at that point of time there was not a murmer as the Chinese went about stitiching such deals together. Better late than never I guess.
Best
Anil