In a strategic move to strengthen international trade links, Gérard Mestrallet, French President Emmanuel Macron’s Special Envoy for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC), visited Gujarat on September 16-17, 2024. The visit highlights France’s deepening commitment to the IMEEC project, particularly through an enhanced understanding of India’s infrastructure, which is crucial for the corridor’s development. Mestrallet’s focus during the trip was the Mundra port, a key point in the corridor that aims to connect India to the Middle East and Europe.
Mestrallet was accompanied by his diplomatic and military advisors, as well as Jean-Marc Sere-Charlet, the Consul General of France in Mumbai. They toured Mundra’s newly constructed terminals and renewable energy facilities, meeting with key economic actors and assessing the region’s strategic capabilities. Mundra’s port is set to become one of the most critical nodes in the corridor, which France and India, being at opposite ends of the IMEEC, have a shared responsibility to develop.
This visit also marks a first for France, as it became the inaugural signatory country to appoint a dedicated special envoy for the IMEEC. Mestrallet’s second official trip follows his initial visit during President Macron’s attendance at India’s 75th Republic Day celebrations in January 2024, where the IMEEC was identified as a key area of bilateral cooperation.
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During this visit, Mestrallet highlighted the significance of the direct shipping line between Mundra and Marseille, describing it as “an asset which displays competitive time for export and import flows.” This existing line offers a foundation upon which to build future trade routes that will be faster and more efficient. The special envoy also highlighted the involvement of key French and European companies in the project, citing CMA-CGM, a French shipping giant headquartered in Marseille. With its significant presence in Mumbai and operations at one of Mundra’s terminals, CMA-CGM has already enhanced sea connectivity between India and Europe.
The IMEEC project, according to him, will serve as a transformative development in the region. He stated, “IMEEC will allow us to substantially step up our cooperation in key focus areas such as low carbon energies, digital data, and port-to-port partnerships.” France views this corridor as more than just a trade route. It could serve as a flagship project within the EU’s broader “Global Gateway” initiative, which seeks to enhance connectivity with regions around the world.
Looking forward, France is committed to working closely with Indian officials and companies to advance the IMEEC’s pre-project phase. Mestrallet’s return to India for official meetings in New Delhi this November further emphasizes France’s determination to see this ambitious project through.
IMEEC: A Vision for Enhanced Global Connectivity
The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) was officially introduced at the G20 Summit in New Delhi in 2023, drawing attention as a major infrastructure initiative. The corridor seeks to link India with the Middle East and Europe, passing through the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Israel, and the EU. The IMEEC will revolutionize trade routes by creating faster and more cost-effective connectivity between these regions, benefiting all the economies along the route.
The corridor consists of two key components: the eastern corridor, which will connect India to the Arabian Gulf, and the northern corridor, linking the Arabian Gulf to Europe. This multi-modal transport route will incorporate not only shipping and rail links but also advanced infrastructure such as electricity cables, a high-speed data cable, and a hydrogen pipeline. These will facilitate digital connectivity and green energy exports, further promoting sustainable economic growth.
For India, the IMEEC holds immense potential by improving maritime security, reducing reliance on traditional trade routes, and opening up new avenues for investment. Additionally, Mediterranean economies stand to benefit as they are integrated into this global economic network.
As momentum around IMEEC grows, the corridor could become a key driver of economic development, enhancing connectivity between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe while supporting sustainable, low-carbon energy initiatives. France’s role as a key player underscores the importance of international cooperation in realizing this transformative project.
