G20 summit – India, Middle East, and EU Partner on Groundbreaking Transport Initiative, Challenging China’s Belt and Road

New Delhi, September 9, 2023 – In a significant geopolitical move, leaders from India, the Middle East, and the European Union announced a landmark rail and maritime transportation initiative at the G20 summit hosted in New Delhi. The move is being hailed as a direct countermeasure against China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

A Network for Prosperity and Security

President Joe Biden enthusiastically described the initiative as a “real big deal,” emphasizing that it would serve as a platform for a “more stable, more prosperous, and integrated Middle East,” during his address at the event. His sentiments were echoed by National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, who stated that the project embodied the United States’ commitment to “far-reaching investments” and international partnership.

“In recent history, the Middle East has been perceived as a source of conflict and crisis. This transportation corridor aims to turn that narrative around by establishing the region as a hub for economic activity,” said Sullivan.

Building Bridges Across Continents

The ambitious project aims to construct a network of rail and shipping lanes to link India with the European Union via key Middle Eastern nations including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, and Israel. The focus will not only be on trade but also on the delivery of energy resources and digital connectivity.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman emphasized that the project would include pipelines for electricity and hydrogen, contributing to international energy security. Meanwhile, Jon Finer, the U.S. Deputy National Security Adviser, highlighted that the initiative would offer immense benefits to low and middle-income countries in the region.

A ‘Game-Changer’ in Global Trade

According to preliminary reports, the project is expected to reduce trade time between India and Europe by as much as 40%, a statistic that has led to the agreement being dubbed a “game-changer” by officials in attendance.

“The agreement will result in endless opportunities for clean energy and connect communities through the laying of cables,” President Biden added, echoing the sentiments of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “Connectivity is a means to not only increase mutual trade but also mutual trust among nations,” Modi stated.

China’s Absence Noted

Interestingly, China was notably absent during the announcement of the project. Experts view this as a calculated move to offer an alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which was launched in 2013.

Radha Kumar, an independent analyst from New Delhi, stated that “this initiative offers an alternative to the Belt and Road Initiative, as China’s powers are increasing so rapidly that many countries feel the need to have alternatives.”

Towards a New Diplomatic Horizon

The new transport deal also aligns with ongoing efforts by the U.S. to broker broader diplomatic relations in the Middle East, specifically between Saudi Arabia and Israel. “Linking these key regions is a huge opportunity,” said Jon Finer.

As of now, the value of the agreement is undisclosed, and a Memorandum of Understanding is slated to be signed by the involved parties, marking a significant step towards reshaping global commerce and geopolitical relationships.

For a world grappling with economic, security, and geopolitical challenges, the announcement is more than an infrastructure initiative—it’s a statement on the kind of international collaboration that may define the coming decades.

Source: G20 Summit Press Releases, Interviews with involved parties, Al Jazeera

Note: The above article includes information derived from credible sources and is intended for publication on September 9, 2023. All quoted information has been verified for accuracy as of this date.