Abu Dhabi: Today marked a significant advancement for the ambitious Transcontinental Connectivity Project, known as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC), which was initiated during the G-20 Summit in Delhi in September 2023. This initiative has garnered support from key signatories, including India, the UAE, the USA, the EU, Saudi Arabia, France, Italy, and Germany, as noted in a statement from the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi.
A delegation led by Shri TK Ramachandaran, Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, engaged in meaningful discussions with HE Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports. The delegation also included HE Sunjay Sudhir, Ambassador of India to the UAE, Sh Rahul Mithal, CMD of RITES Ltd, and Sh Unmesh Wagh, Chairman of the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA). Prior to this meeting, an interactive session was held with various stakeholders, including terminal operators, shipping lines, and customs officials, during which a presentation was delivered.
The discussions also focused on the Master Application for International Trade and Regulatory Interface, which was introduced during the visit of the Dubai Crown Prince to India.
Previously, the Master Application for International Trade and Regulatory Interface (MAITRI) was launched during the visit of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, to India in September 2024. MAITRI aims to unify existing trade portals, such as the National Logistics Portal-Marine (NLP-M), Indian Customs Electronic Gateway (ICEGATE), and Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP), with corresponding portals in the UAE, facilitating seamless and paperless connectivity.
MAITRI will also play a crucial role in supporting the Virtual Trade Corridor (VTC), which was inaugurated during His Highness Sheikh Khaled's visit. The VTC is set to be a key component of the IMEEC initiative and is expected to enhance bilateral trade between India and the UAE, which currently exceeds USD 85 billion, as stated.
Significant progress has already been made on the MAITRI platform, with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPS&W) of India assigning the development tasks to RITES and C-DAC. These organizations are collaborating closely with JNPA, Deendayal Port, and other major Indian ports. A workshop was conducted in Mumbai on February 27, featuring the Hon'ble Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal. The event also included participation from Abu Dhabi Ports, DP World, and other key stakeholders from the UAE, according to the statement.
The signatories of IMEEC represent a significant portion of the global GDP. This initiative aims to establish an alternative supply route linking India, Europe, and the USA via Middle Eastern countries. Beyond port and rail infrastructure, IMEEC is also designed to enhance energy and digital connectivity. Efforts are currently underway to establish an electrical grid for solar power between the UAE and India. Additionally, both nations are collaborating on green hydrogen and public digital infrastructure, as mentioned in the statement.
A renewed focus on IMEEC and the India-UAE Virtual Trade Corridor was highlighted during discussions led by T K Ramachandran, Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, with H.E. Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports, regarding the VTC and the Master Application for International Trade and Regulatory Interface (MAITRI).
