A New Cycle for North-South Connectivity: The Mediterranean Sea and IMEC-Egypt 

The recent disruptions in the Red Sea and Suez Canal have underscored the vulnerability of existing traditional routes. As maritime chokepoints become increasingly exposed to geopolitical tensions, the diversification of trade corridors and the creation of flexible, multimodal networks have emerged as strategic priorities.

Against this backdrop, the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), first introduced at the 2023 G20 Summit, was envisioned as a multimodal corridor connecting India to Europe through the Middle East. However, rising regional instability, logistical and economic efficiency concerns have prompted policymakers involved to rethink the model.

This re-evaluation has given rise to a broader vision of an interconnected network of corridors that can ensure flexibility and cost efficiency rather than relying on a single route. Within this expanded approach, other countries such as Oman and Egypt are emerging as pivotal partners in strengthening regional connectivity and reducing dependence on volatile routes. In particular, IMEC–Egypt (IMEC-E) has gained momentum as a cost-effective and politically stable alternative.

This session will discuss all existing and proposed corridors. The discussion will assess trade-offs in cost efficiency, transit time, and geopolitical resilience and other issues.