G7 Commits to Implementing Infrastructure Connectivity Linking India, the Middle East, and Europe

Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) recently pledged to implement a plan for infrastructure connectivity, including railways and ports, linking India, the Middle East, and Europe.

On the 13th (local time), leaders attending the Group of Seven (G7) summit held in Brindisi, Puglia, Italy, are taking a commemorative photo before the dinner. [Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 16th (local time), the Indian daily The Times of India reported that the commitment to implement the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEEC), launched at the G20 summit held in New Delhi, India, last September, was included in the joint statement of this G7 summit. The G7 summit, held in Italy on the 13th, will last for three days.

Previously, the United States, India, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), France, Germany, Italy, and the European Union (EU) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) last year to cooperate on the establishment of IMEEEC. However, it is reported that the implementation of the memorandum was delayed due to the impact of the October attack on Israel by the Palestinian armed group Hamas after the MOU was signed.

IMEEEC holds significance as a counter to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (the land and maritime Silk Road connecting China, Central Asia, and Europe). The Times of India reported that the Indian government has begun to fulfill its share of the IMEEEC implementation. It also noted that Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India who recently began his third term, was invited to and participated in this G7 summit.