Archive · 7 Oct 2026
France Says Middle East Crises Strengthen Case for IMEC
A French envoy says troubles in the Middle East make it useful to have more ways to move goods between India, the Middle East and Europe.
This plan is called IMEC.
It is meant to connect places using ships, trains, roads, and links for energy and data.
The envoy said it should work as a group of routes, not just one path.
If one route is blocked or has a problem, another might still be available.
Sometimes a longer trip could be safer than a shorter one.
Ports met in New Delhi to discuss preparing for the plan.
The envoy said some countries are interested in working with IMEC or joining it.
French envoy Gérard Mestrallet said conflicts and disruption risks in Gaza, Iran and the Strait of Hormuz strengthen the case for IMEC.
He described the corridor as a network of complementary routes, so alternatives may be available if one route is blocked or disrupted.
Mestrallet said a longer route could sometimes be preferable if it is safer, particularly when risks raise insurance costs.
The IMEC Ports Club was launched in New Delhi to bring ports together around the corridor.
Mestrallet said Egypt, Lebanon and Oman have expressed interest, while Greece and Cyprus are keen to join as full members.
- Who
- Gérard Mestrallet, French President’s Special Envoy for IMEC, and ports involved in the IMEC Ports Club.
- What
- Mestrallet said regional crises reinforce the need for IMEC as a resilient network of routes for transport, energy and data.
- When
- Tuesday, October 6; the year is not specified in the article.
- Where
- New Delhi, India.
- Why
- To provide alternative connections when a route is disrupted and strengthen links between India, the Middle East and Europe.
- Corridor
- India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC)
- Announced
- September 2023
- Original participants named
- India, the United States, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, France, Germany, Italy and the European Union
- Planned connections
- Transport of goods and containers, energy and data transmission
- Ports initiative
- The IMEC Ports Club was launched in New Delhi.
- Countries expressing interest
- Egypt, Lebanon and Oman
- Countries keen to join as full members
- Greece and Cyprus
- Mestrallet's route comparison
- He said a longer route could sometimes be cheaper or more competitive and safer than an alternative.
