The India-Middle-East-Europe Economic Corridor is being seen as a major achievement of the G20 Summit. Now, Türkiye has expressed concern over it.
– Shakilur Rahman
The India-Middle-East-Europe Economic Corridor is being seen as a major achievement of the G20 Summit. Now, Türkiye has expressed concern over it. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan claimed that no corridor can be built ignoring Türkiye.
Erdogan said that any traffic going from East to West would have to pass through Türkiye. Israel and Jordan will also be benefitted from this project including India, Saudi Arabia, America, France, Germany, Italy and the European Union, a total of 8 countries. This new corridor, starting from Mumbai, will be an alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative. The proposed corridor will be 6000 kilometers long. The distance includes 3500 kilometers of sea route.
About 40 percent time will be saved in transporting goods from India to Europe after the accomplishment of the corridor. Currently, it takes 36 days for any cargo from India to reach Germany by shipping. This route will save 14 days. Direct access to Europe will make imports and exports easier and cheaper for India.
Türkiye is connected to Europe by land, hence Erdogan is assuming that Europe cannot be reached ignoring Türkiye. Centuries of old history recount that Türkiye’s geography is important to reach Europe. Traders from Asia and Europe have been doing their business through this route for centuries.
