Prime Minister Modi of India conducted a two-day visit to France, during which the leaders of both countries announced their intention to jointly develop a new trade route in Europe, aimed at countering China’s “Belt and Road” infrastructure initiative.
The new trade route is named the “India-Middle East-Europe Corridor” (IMEC), a project that will connect India with Europe through the Middle East.
French President Macron expressed during the French-India Business Forum in Paris on Tuesday (February 11) that this initiative is a significant catalyst. He pledged to enhance investments to turn this alternative trade route into a reality.
On Wednesday (February 12), Modi was invited to tour Marseille, the second largest city in the south of France, alongside Macron, and they jointly presided over the inauguration ceremony of the Indian Consulate General in Marseille.
“The IMEC project holds immense strategic value,” Macron stated during the visit, “Marseille could indeed serve as the gateway to the entire European market.”
The French government mentioned that the purpose of Modi’s trip was to accelerate projects related to IMEC, particularly in the areas of ports and energy.
Meanwhile, China is actively seeking to expand its influence in critical infrastructure in Europe, such as Greece’s largest port Piraeus, which has fallen into the trap of China’s “Belt and Road” trade initiatives.
Currently, the planning of IMEC is still in its initial stages. The project aims to streamline maritime, rail, and road trade routes from Marseille to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and all the way to India’s west coast.
The project gained support from all directly involved countries, as well as Germany, Italy, the European Commission, and the United States during the G20 meeting in December 2023.
Moreover, Paris also hopes to sell India billions of dollars worth of Rafale fighter jets and Scorpène submarines, further expanding military cooperation.
Macron is actively seeking to deepen cooperation with India in the nuclear energy sector, particularly in the development of Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology, to enhance bilateral partnerships.
France has long aimed to maintain relative independence in international affairs, not relying solely on the United States or China. Macron stated in an interview last weekend that the relationship with Prime Minister Modi is part of France’s strategic vision to explore alternative options beyond US-China competition.
Modi has previously visited France on several significant occasions, including participating in the French National Day Parade in 2023 and attending the global Artificial Intelligence (AI) summit hosted by France this week.
(The article references information from “Europe Dynamic” and reports by Agence France-Presse.)