"G20 reveals ambitious economic corridor, connecting India to Europe via Middle East."

 "G20 reveals ambitious economic corridor, connecting India to Europe via Middle East."

"Yesterday, on September 9, 2023, some of the world's most prominent leaders came together in New Delhi for an important session during the G20 Summit. Among those in attendance were Japan's Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida, Italy's Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, and European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen. They were joined by Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, India's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, and of course, the U.S. President, Joe Biden.

On September 9, 2023, during the G20 Summit in New Delhi, leaders from various nations, including Japan, Italy, the US, and the UAE, revealed an ambitious plan. They aim to establish a modern-day "Spice Route," connecting Europe, the Middle East, and India. This initiative goes beyond trade, as it involves railways, ports, electricity, data networks, and hydrogen pipelines.

The significance of this project extends to potential geopolitical shifts, including the prospect of improved relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia. The plan seeks to integrate India's vast market with Western countries, act as a counterbalance to Chinese infrastructure investments, boost Middle Eastern economies, and normalize ties between Israel and Gulf Arab states.

US President Joe Biden termed it a "historic" endeavor, while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that it's more than just infrastructure – it's a "green and digital bridge across continents and civilizations."

One notable proposal is the connection of railway and port facilities across the Middle East, potentially reducing trade times between India and Europe by up to 40 percent. This could alleviate the bottleneck caused by the Suez Canal, which handles a significant portion of global maritime trade and is prone to disruptions.

US involvement aligns with Washington's goals in the Middle East, particularly in encouraging ties between Riyadh and Israel. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed enthusiasm for the project, calling it transformative for the region.

The economic corridor also includes plans for "green hydrogen" production, improved telecommunications, and data transfers through an undersea cable. This initiative could help Middle Eastern countries transition away from fossil fuels.

In addition, it serves as a response to China's Belt and Road Initiative, aiming to strengthen connectivity between India and the Middle East while countering China's influence.

French President Emmanuel Macron stressed the need to translate these plans into reality. Overall, this initiative has the potential to reshape economic and geopolitical dynamics in the region.