Overview

• Dammu Ravi, Economic Relations Secretary at India’s Ministry of External Affairs, warned that escalating tensions in the Middle East could stall IMEC’s progress by complicating overland and maritime routes.
• He highlighted regulatory harmonization as a key challenge, noting the need to align technical, phytosanitary and taxation standards across partner countries.
• Ravi proposed establishing a dedicated IMEC secretariat to coordinate planning, manage bureaucratic complexities and maintain momentum despite security risks.
• A retired naval officer cautioned that while the corridor would bypass chokepoints like the Suez Canal, its overland rail segments could be vulnerable to sabotage.
• Backers say the multi-modal corridor—integrating shipping, rail, highways, energy networks and digital links—could cut logistics costs by up to 30%, reduce transit times by 40% and bolster green energy trade.