New Delhi: A multiplicity of risks, including current geopolitical tensions and the role of non-state actors like Houtis, have made the case for an India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor ( IMEC) stronger and work is underway to implement it, external affairs minister S Jaishankar said on Sunday.
Speaking at the Kautilya Economic Conclave, the minister said disruptions ranging from drones and missiles being fired at merchant ships to climate change make the case for the major infrastructure project strong, responding to a question on the viability of the plan given the current tensions in West Asia.
"I think the case for the corridor has actually become stronger, not weaker. The corridor will be clearly a very big idea in which a lot of countries are invested. Therefore, I expect to see it move much faster," he said. He also referred to Indian connectivity plans with Vietnam via the land route and said that when it comes to connectivity, many things could change in the coming years, like the possibility of the opening up of northern shipping routes as polar ice melts.
On IMEC, the minister said that projects under the plan were currently underway with the UAE and feasibility studies have been initiated with Saudi Arabia as well. As per the plan, the route passes through both nations and makes its way to the Haifa port in Israel for onward connectivity to Europe.
The minister also identified Artificial Intelligence as having a major impact on the global order in the coming years, saying that the race for AI is "as deadly serious as the race for nuclear weapons was, and whoever has the lead on that is actually going to have an enormous benefit in the global order".
Speaking at the Kautilya Economic Conclave, the minister said disruptions ranging from drones and missiles being fired at merchant ships to climate change make the case for the major infrastructure project strong, responding to a question on the viability of the plan given the current tensions in West Asia.
"I think the case for the corridor has actually become stronger, not weaker. The corridor will be clearly a very big idea in which a lot of countries are invested. Therefore, I expect to see it move much faster," he said. He also referred to Indian connectivity plans with Vietnam via the land route and said that when it comes to connectivity, many things could change in the coming years, like the possibility of the opening up of northern shipping routes as polar ice melts.
On IMEC, the minister said that projects under the plan were currently underway with the UAE and feasibility studies have been initiated with Saudi Arabia as well. As per the plan, the route passes through both nations and makes its way to the Haifa port in Israel for onward connectivity to Europe.
The minister also identified Artificial Intelligence as having a major impact on the global order in the coming years, saying that the race for AI is "as deadly serious as the race for nuclear weapons was, and whoever has the lead on that is actually going to have an enormous benefit in the global order".
You may also like
BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Shirley Ballas 'let slip' who would be sent home before vote
Madonna breaks silence over younger brother Christopher Ciccone's death with emotional tribute
Big Brother UK fans complain minutes into ITV launch show as they say 'please stop'
Who Was Hassan Hamad? 19-Year-Old Palestinian Journalist Killed In Israeli Strike
