‘Longer but safer’ routes may beat speed: France says IMEC ‘more necessary amid Gaza, Iran, Hormuz crises’

France Says IMEC Is Vital as Safer Trade Routes Gain Importance

Theindiapostdaily.com – Longer but safer routes may beat faster options when conflict, insurance costs and disruption threaten established trade lanes. France’s special envoy for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, Gérard Mestrallet, said the crises involving Gaza, Iran and the Strait of Hormuz have made the proposed IMEC network more necessary.

Speaking in New Delhi, Mestrallet said the corridor should be viewed as a resilient network rather than one fixed transport route. The aim is to give businesses alternative connections when an accident, technical issue, blockage or regional crisis affects part of the system.

The difficulties — October 7, Gaza, Iran, Hormuz — have even increased the necessity to have a resilient corridor, offering several possibilities to the market.

IMEC’s role in a changing trade environment

IMEC was announced in September 2023 by India, the United States, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, France, Germany, Italy and the European Union. It seeks to improve connections between India, the Middle East and Europe through shipping, railways, energy infrastructure and digital links.

Mestrallet visited New Delhi for the launch of the IMEC Ports Club alongside Christophe Castaner, chairman of the Port of Marseille-Fos. The club brings together ports in countries connected to the proposed corridor, as well as ports interested in participating in it.

The network model is central to the project’s appeal. If one route becomes unavailable, traders could use another connection, helping cargo continue to move through periods of instability.

IMEC is now considered as a network of complementary routes in order to be more resilient. More resilient meaning that if on one particular route there is a blockage, an accident, a technical problem or even a local crisis, the other routes will be available.

Why longer but safer routes may beat speed

Longer but safer routes may beat the quickest journey when security risks make a shorter path less predictable. Companies will continue to consider freight rates and transit times, but rising insurance costs and the risk of interruption can change the economic calculation.

Mestrallet said the market would determine which options are commercially viable. However, a route that takes more time may become more competitive when it offers greater safety and reliability.

Sometimes it will be cheaper, more competitive to take a longer route, but a safer route.

For IMEC, resilience is not simply about reducing travel time in stable conditions. It is about giving businesses choices when strategic chokepoints or regional transport links face pressure.

A strategic project for India and Europe

France sees IMEC as more than a logistics or infrastructure plan. Mestrallet described it as a geostrategic project that could strengthen economic and strategic links between India and Europe.

We consider this project not only as a technical project or an economic project, but also as a geostrategic project, in order to strengthen the links between India and Europe.

He said the current turmoil in the Middle East should not lead countries to abandon the corridor. Instead, he described IMEC as a potential project for the region after the present crisis.

Of course, the Middle East is today in trouble, and IMEC will be the perfect project for the day after.

Mestrallet also pointed to the recently concluded India-European Union free trade agreement as a possible driver of future trade. Increased commerce between India and the EU could require stronger transport capacity and more dependable infrastructure.

FAQ: What IMEC Could Mean for India

What is the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor?

IMEC is a proposed connectivity network linking India, the Middle East and Europe through maritime transport, rail links, energy infrastructure and digital connectivity.

Why is IMEC being discussed during the Gaza and Hormuz crises?

Recent regional tensions have underlined the vulnerability of major trade routes. Supporters argue that IMEC could provide complementary options when existing links face disruption.

Could longer but safer routes may beat cheaper routes for Indian trade?

They may, depending on market conditions. A longer route can become commercially attractive if lower disruption risks and more predictable deliveries offset extra travel time or distance.