Red Sea Attacks Spur Push for Alternate Mideast Trade Route

The escalating situation in the Red Sea has underscored the need for an alternative trade route to transport goods from India to Europe, according to India’s ambassador to the United Arab Emirates. Sunjay Sudhir stated in an interview in Abu Dhabi, on the sidelines of a World Trade Organization meeting, that India has initiated discussions with the UAE to kick start the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). Both countries are eager to spearhead the development of this corridor.

Houthi milia based in Yemen have been targeting military and commercial vessels in the Red Sea since November, prompting military responses from the US and UK. Sudhir emphasized that nearly all of India’s trade with Europe passes through the Red Sea, highlighting the urgency of the IMEC project. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the UAE in February, the two nations signed a framework agreement to commence work on the corridor. Talks have since begun between India’s ministries responsible for ports and shipping and Abu Dhabi’s port.