Initiative stalled since 2023; economic value key to winning U.S. support
Former U.S. President Donald Trump may seek to revive the long-stalled India-Gulf-Europe corridor, a strategic trade and connectivity initiative linking South Asia with Europe via the Middle East. However, his advisers believe that any renewed American interest would hinge on clearly defined economic gains for the U.S, reported agbi.com.
Experts say the corridor needs to deliver direct benefits to re-engage washington.
Trade experts told AGBI that Washington’s enthusiasm for the project waned after initial announcements in 2023, and a Trump-led administration would require more than just diplomatic goodwill to support the venture.
“You have to give economic value,” one trade adviser noted, underscoring the importance of aligning the project with U.S. trade and security priorities
Originally envisioned as a counterbalance to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) aimed to strengthen trade ties, streamline logistics, and reduce dependence on current chokepoints in global supply chains. The plan proposed a rail-and-shipping network running from India through the UAE and Saudi Arabia, then into Europe via Jordan and Israel.
Despite strong backing at its launch during the G20 summit in 2023, the initiative has seen little progress. Political transitions, regional conflicts, and lack of follow-through have all contributed to the stall.
With the possibility of Trump returning to the White House, stakeholders in the corridor project are closely watching for signs of a strategic reset. But sources indicate that unless the corridor is presented as a direct economic win for American industries and supply chains, its future remains uncertain.
