At the recent G20 summit, the United States unveiled plans for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, aiming to enhance trade and connectivity between these regions. The initiative is seen by some as a response to China’s successful Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which has significantly invested in infrastructure projects across Asia and beyond.
Charles Liu, founder of Impact Asia Innovation Capital and senior fellow at the Taihe Institute, expressed skepticism about the feasibility of the U.S.’s new plan. He remarked, “The U.S. has not built a major rail line for more than half a century. India has not built a new railroad for more than a century. So who will actually build it?”
The proposed corridor intends to link India with Europe through the Middle East by developing a network of railways, ports, and energy projects. While the vision is ambitious, questions remain about the implementation capabilities of the involved nations and the funding required for such large-scale infrastructure.
Analysts point out that successful execution will demand significant collaboration among participating countries, substantial financial investment, and overcoming geopolitical challenges. The history of infrastructure development in the U.S. and India raises concerns about their ability to undertake and complete such an extensive project.
The BRI, launched by China in 2013, has already connected numerous countries through infrastructure projects, boosting trade and economic development. As global powers propose alternative initiatives, the effectiveness and commitment to these projects will be critical to their success.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
