Abstract
Launched at the sidelines of the G20 Summit 2023 hosted by India, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) is emerging as a pivotal strategic connectivity corridor envisioned by strategic players in a trans-regional format. As a global connectivity corridor, owing to its expansion as IMEC plus, it is embodied as a strategic asset that integrates multilateral, multi-sectoral and multi-stakeholder interests.
The paper examines the corridor’s potential to reshape trans-regional economic dynamics and to foster global supply chains through robust trade routes and ascertain deeper interconnections between the players. As a strategic connectivity corridor which aims to address the concerns and challenges of all the partnering countries, the paper underscores the imperative of a robust security framework to safeguard IMEC against potential geopolitical uncertainties, operational disruptions, cyber threats and non-state actors’ interventions. It further explores the possibility of installing IMEC centered collaborative security models, risk mitigation strategies and robust policy frameworks. While the full operationalisation of IMEC may require an extended timeframe, it is necessary to ensure the appointment of designated authorities and special envoys at an early stage to oversee the development of a secure, well-coordinated corridor that can enhance economic integration and resilience, promote sustainable development and address the concerns of ‘grey rhinos’ of the future.
Keywords: IMEC, Food and Energy security, India Mediterranean Initiative, Strategic Connectivity Corridor, Multi-Modal Transport, Maritime and Supply Chain Security.
