Greek, Israeli diplomats say India-Europe trade route will bring regional stability: Report
New Delhi, May 14
Senior Greek and Israeli diplomats welcomed plans for the India‑Middle East‑Europe Economic Corridor, saying the proposed trade route could unlock huge economic opportunities and help stabilise a region long ridden with conflict, a report has said.
Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Alexandra Papadopoulou described IMEC as "the real long‑term certificate for stability in the region", adding that the project "would change the whole region from India all the way to Europe", according to a report in eKathimerini.com.
Israel's Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel said Israel sees huge room for collaboration in security and economic links, specifically in the infrastructure and energy sectors.
"I think our relationship goes back thousands of years. These are two ancient civilisations that have shared so much with the world as well," said Haskel.
Papadopoulou said the project has approval of the majority of Greek political leaders.
"We can serve as a good example of close cooperation between two countries that share similar goals and similar objectives about stability, peace, and prosperity in the entire region," the diplomat said.
The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) is designed to offer India's international partners a "values-based" alternative to China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), thereby reducing Beijing's leverage over Eurasian trade and energy flows, the article points out.
Over the past decade, Beijing has leveraged large-scale investments in transportation, energy, and telecommunications to establish a strong presence across the Middle East, South Asia, and Europe, a recent report said.
This has created a structural interdependence in which economic relationships are inextricably linked to Chinese strategic interests, it noted.
From a strategic perspective, IMEC represents an effort to break up this monopoly. It serves as a normative counterweight to China's model of state-centric control and top-down financing, the report added.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Sounds promising on paper, but let's not forget the geopolitical mess in the Middle East. Routes through conflict zones are risky. India needs a solid security framework before sinking billions into this corridor. Hope our diplomatic corps has done its homework.
This is exactly what we need—a values-based alternative that respects sovereignty. China's BRI has left many countries in debt traps. But let's not make this just a geopolitical game. The real test will be execution—can we deliver on time and within budget? That's always the challenge for Indian projects.
Greek and Israeli diplomats are all in favour, but what about the common people in the Middle East? The corridor should benefit the locals too, not just big corporations. India must ensure this doesn't become another tool of big-power politics. We should learn from history.
Interesting that both Greece and Israel are backing this so strongly. Greece has been pushing for more EU-India ties, and Israel is a natural partner on security and tech. IMEC could genuinely reshape Eurasian trade—if India plays its cards right and doesn't get bogged down in bureaucracy.
One concern: this is being framed as anti-China, which might be shortsighted. India should focus on our own strategic interests rather than making it about countering Beijing. If the economics make sense, it will work. Otherwise, even the best geopolitical aspirations will fail. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
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