The European Union has endorsed the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) to enhance trade connectivity and reduce dependence on single maritime routes. Apostolos Tzitzikostas, European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, highlighted the risks of relying on chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing regional conflicts. His remarks came during the Sagarmanthan: The Great Oceans Dialogue 2026 event in New Delhi, held from October 7 to 9, 2026, amid renewed concerns over shipping disruptions.
Tzitzikostas stressed that disruptions in a single port or route can have cascading effects on factories, energy markets, supply chains, and citizens’ daily lives. The IMEC, announced during the G20 Summit in New Delhi on September 9, 2023, aims to create a multimodal network linking India with Europe through interconnected transport, energy, and distribution infrastructure. The corridor is seen as a strategic alternative to traditional maritime routes vulnerable to geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz.
The EU’s backing of IMEC underscores the importance of diversifying trade routes to ensure resilient supply chains between India and Europe. The corridor aligns with broader efforts to establish green shipping corridors and sustainable transport networks, reducing risks associated with maritime chokepoints. This initiative complements other global moves to secure trade flows amid geopolitical uncertainties, positioning IMEC as a critical infrastructure project in international trade logistics.
The Sagarmanthan forum continues through October 9, 2026, focusing on innovation and scaling green shipping corridors. The IMEC project remains a key topic, with stakeholders discussing its potential to reshape India-Europe trade connectivity and reduce vulnerabilities exposed by recent conflicts in the Middle East.