Raghav JhunjhunwalaAIR 4 · CSE 2025 · 212 wordsTheir whole copy
Opening · a date or context
The ambitious IMEC project was announced at 2023 G20 Delhi summit as extended arm of PGII project to connect India to Europe and beyond. Strategic Relevance vis-a-vis Chinese BRI:
[Pros]
Body · points and prose
acy (1) -> Ambitious and multimodal (2) -> Strategic Autonomy at play: IMEC with INSTC (3) -> Proactive Engagement Stance
Strategic Relevance vis-a-vis Chinese BRI:
[Pros]
(1) Alternative Route and no need for dependence on chinese projects.
(2) Diplomatic signalling about Assertive yet collaborative India.
(3) Respect for members' sovereignty and territorial integrity
(4) Relevant for global South connectivity to global north (from Bridge to Barrier)
(5) Reduced shipping time and shipping cost (arrow) TO improve competitiveness (Blue Revolution) and EODB for Indians.
(6) TO encourage FDI and provide a narrative of diplomatic maturity and stability.
(7) TO augment other projects like AAGC (Asia-Africa Growth Corridor) in collab with Japan.
(8) to develop India's indigenous shipping industry and maritime diplomacy (SAGAR mission)
(9) TO develop India's coastal resilience and infra (SAGARMALA)
[IMEC Challenges]
(1) West Asia Instability and wars
(2) Red sea shipping crisis and presence of non state Actors (Ex: Houthis)
(3) India's dependence on foreign vessels
(4) limited operational progress on IMEC
(5) Rising Diplomatic Riff amongst partners (Ex: France vs Israel)
(6) Huge gestation period
(7) Limited deep pockets like China's debt trap.
Close · a way forward
Despite challenges, India's bold push for IMEC signals a renewed Indian outlook to our Connectivity Diplomacy: need to expedite and reassure members.