In a momentous development on the sidelines of the G20 Summit, India, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Europe are poised to introduce a pioneering infrastructure endeavor encompassing a railway and shipping corridor. This visionary project aims to bolster trade, energy, and digital connectivity, as articulated by Jon Finer, the Principal Deputy National Security Advisor of the United States.
Addressing the press on Saturday morning, Finer emphasized that this endeavor will bridge a substantial infrastructure gap and will be characterized by “high standards, transparency, sustainability, and non-coercion.” It will be designed to align with the region’s demand signals rather than being an imposition—a stark contrast to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which has been critiqued for entangling countries in unsustainable debts, opaqueness, coerciveness, and lax standards.
Proposed India-Middle East-Europe trade corridor explained in this video. pic.twitter.com/ndshkZOji0
— Vice Admiral Arun Kumar Singh (@subnut) September 11, 2023
Finer elucidated that this initiative is in consonance with the broader West Asia strategy of the Joe Biden administration. He outlined the strategic rationale behind the project, highlighting its potential to enhance prosperity by establishing a corridor linking three pivotal regions of the world.
Secondly, it addresses a pervasive infrastructure deficit in low and middle-income countries, with the United States actively partnering with allies to bridge this gap. Lastly, this initiative offers the Middle East, historically associated with turbulence and insecurity, a unique opportunity to enhance stability and connectivity—a testament to American efforts to de-escalate conflicts and promote harmonious relations.
While the project hasn’t been implemented under the I2U2 framework (comprising India, Israel, the UAE, and the US), this exclusion is likely due to ongoing normalization efforts between Israel and Saudi Arabia. However, it is anticipated that Israel will become a natural partner in this venture once formal diplomatic relations are established between Tel Aviv and Riyadh. Responding to inquiries about Israel’s involvement, Finer deferred to the countries involved.
In contrast to the BRI, which has been perceived as coercive and non-transparent, Finer asserted that this initiative represents a “positive, affirmative agenda” that is appealing to countries. He emphasized that it is not a zero-sum proposition, and nations are not compelled to make binary choices. Instead, it presents an ambitious, high-standard, and transparent alternative, distinct from other, more coercive endeavors. The United States is confident in the distinction it offers.
