Latest news with #India-MiddleEast-Europe
The National
07-07-2025
- Business
- The National
Tony Blair's staff took part in 'Gaza Riviera' project
Plans outlined in a slide deck, titled the 'Great Trust', were shared with the US president proposed paying half a million Palestinians to leave the area and replacing them with private investors to develop Gaza. According to the Financial Times, the Tony Blair Institute (TBI) did not author or endorse the final slide deck, but two members of its staff were involved in message groups and calls as the project developed. READ MORE: How the UK media are covering up British spy flights for Israel One 'lengthy' document on postwar Gaza, written by a TBI staff member, was reportedly shared within the group for consideration, according to people familiar with the work. The document included a proposal of a 'Gaza Riviera' with artificial islands off the coast, blockchain-based trade initiatives, a deep-water port to tie Gaza into the India-Middle East-Europe economic corridor, and low-tax 'special economic zones'. The TBI document reportedly claimed that Israel's devastating assault on Gaza had 'created a once-in-a-century opportunity to rebuild Gaza from first principles . . . as a secure, modern prosperous society'. Although the Israeli businessmen's slide deck, which is more than 30 pages long, differed from the paper written by TBI's staff, there was some similarity the Finacial Times reported. The institute's document did not refer to the relocation of Palestinians. When first approached by the Financial Times regarding TBI's role in the project, a spokesperson said: 'Your story is categorically wrong . . . TBI was not involved in the preparation of the deck, which was a BCG deck, and had no input whatever into its contents.' TBI were then provided details of a 12-person message group used for the project — including two TBI staff, BCG consultants and the Israeli businessmen — and an unpublished TBI document shared within the group titled 'Gaza Economic Blueprint'. A TBI spokesperson then said: 'We have never said TBI knew nothing about what this group was working on or that they weren't on calls in which the group discussed their plans.' TBI said that when meeting groups to discuss postwar plans, it is 'essentially in listening mode'. The 'internal TBI document' looked at proposals 'being made by various parties . . . [and] is one of many such internal documents'. 'TBI emphatically did not provide its own internal document for the purposes of the BCG work,' it added. TBI staff 'saw' the slide deck but 'didn't create it', the spokesperson said. 'It would be wrong to suggest that we were working with this group to produce their Gaza plan.' TBI said Blair had sought a 'better Gaza for Gazans' for the past two decades: 'It has never been about relocating Gazans, which is a proposal TBI has never authored, developed or endorsed.'
DW
16-06-2025
- Business
- DW
India's Modi set to advance trade corridor talks in Cyprus – DW – 06/16/2025
India's Modi is likely to discuss Cyrpus' potential role in the India-Middle East-Europe trade corridor — a venture seen as a counter to China's Belt and Road Initiative. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to advance talks about Cyprus' potential role in linking India to Europe through a trade corridor on Monday. On the second day of his visit, Modi is expected to hold formal talks with Cypriot leaders where the corridor is likely to be a key topic of discussion. The visit has also grabbed attention in India where it is seen as a message to Turkey — a rival neighbor to Cyprus — which openly supported Pakistan over India in their recent cross-border hostilities. India has been pursuing the so-called India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC) trade link via sea and railway. "One of the objectives of our discussions is the connection of India with Europe through the region of the wider Middle East, (and) its entry into Europe through the Republic of Cyprus," Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides told journalists earlier Sunday. The IMEC is widely seen as a counter to China's Belt and Road Initiative. Strengthening cooperation Modi arrived in Cyprus on Sunday and carried out a full day of activities including meeting the Indian diaspora, an informal meeting with President Christodoulides, followed by a business roundtable. Indian media, citing unnamed officials, reported that leaders facilitated a memorandum of understanding between National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and the Eurobank of Cyprus to introduce UPI services in Cyprus for cross-border transactions. The visit is part of a larger diplomatic outreach to European nations. Modi is set to visit Canada for the G7 summitand end the tour with Croatia. Edited by: Zac Crellin
India.com
05-06-2025
- Business
- India.com
India Commits $20 Billion For Maritime Infrastructure Development: Sarbananda Sonowal
New Delhi: India has committed $20 billion for infrastructure development focused on enhancing multimodal logistics, port connectivity, and trade facilitation, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said on Thursday. Delivering the keynote speech at the India Country Session in Oslo and highlighted India's growing maritime capabilities, including a favourable policy-induced investment environment, proven shipbuilding strength, circular economy efforts, and innovative financing plans to accelerate sectoral growth, he said: "Under the able and visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is moving decisively toward the goals of Viksit Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat. These goals envisage India as a modern, self-reliant, inclusive, and globally engaged economy." In this journey, the maritime sector is central - not just as a driver of growth, but as an enabler of resilience, sustainability, and strategic connectivity. "India has launched wide-ranging efforts to expand port infrastructure, integrate logistics systems, and improve ease of doing business for the private sector. These reforms are already bearing fruit in the form of increased port efficiency, stronger cargo flows, and rising investor confidence," he said. The Shipping Minister also highlighted strengthening of maritime connectivity and supply chains with strategic corridors like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC), the Eastern Maritime Corridor (EMC), and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC). "India is working to become a credible and competitive alternative. Through policy incentives, ease of doing business, and infrastructure enhancement, we are laying the foundation for India to emerge as one of the top five shipbuilding nations by 2047," he said. India is establishing three Green Hydrogen Hub Ports — Kandla, Tuticorin, and Paradip — to support the manufacturing of green hydrogen and its derivatives and to pioneer the use of alternative fuels in the maritime domain. "We are also proud to lead under the IMO's Green Voyage 2050 initiative, assisting developing countries in their energy transitions," he added. India's maritime digital ecosystem is undergoing a transformation. Initiatives such as ONOP (One Nation-One Port Process), National Logistics Portal (Marine), and MAITRI – Virtual Trade Corridor are creating a unified national platform for port services and EXIM trade. "These efforts are improving operational transparency, reducing transaction time and building real-time data systems. We are also engaging with global partners to establish Virtual Trade Corridors that will digitally connect ports, enabling seamless cargo movement and reducing bottlenecks," said the minister.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
Marked shift in GCC stance on terror since Mumbai attacks: Indian envoy
There has been a marked shift in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries' stance on terrorism since the 2008 Mumbai attacks due to the widespread realisation that it is a common enemy of all and there is a need for collaborative efforts to combat the menace, the Indian envoy in the UAE has said. Sunjay Sudhir, India's Ambassador to the UAE, also hailed the visit of the all-party delegation led by Shrikant Shinde to the country to highlight India's stance on the issue. He termed the visit as very successful. "The narrative, our thoughts, our perspectives, were well received, very well reciprocated. And again, it was a clear reciprocation, a clear reiteration of the fact that in the UAE, we have a true strategic partner, a friend, whom we can rely on," the ambassador told PTI. Ambassador Sudhir also highlighted a shift in the response by the GCC nations - Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates - after the Pahalgam terror attack in comparison to the response they had shown after the Mumbai attack. In 2008, after the Mumbai terror attack, the situation was quite different. The response of GCC countries was quite different. This time, it was very different. Our leadership was very actively engaged with the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar. It's the same GCC, but some things have changed because of widespread realisation that terrorism is something which is a common enemy for humanity, for mankind, and we need to work together to counter that, Sudhir told PTI. The ambassador said that the UAE was perhaps the first country to issue a clear and categorical statement condemning the attack as an act of terror and calling for the elimination of terrorism in all its forms. The all-party delegation led by Shinde, during its two-day visit, held substantive discussions with senior UAE officials, including Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister for Tolerance and Coexistence, and Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, who chairs the Federal National Council Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence, and Interior. The way the delegation was received and the reciprocation of our perspective reflects the strength of our partnership, Sudhir said, adding that the UAE's response reaffirmed its commitment to countering terrorism as a common enemy of humanity. Reflecting on Prime Minister Modi's stern warning to Pakistan of severe consequences for sponsoring terrorism, the ambassador emphasised that India conveyed to the world that there is a limit to patience. PM Modi has made it clear that there is a limit to patience. We come from the land of Mahatma Gandhi and Gautam Buddha, but nobody can take us for granted, he said, referring to Operation Sindoor as a testament to India's proactive stance. On the broader India-UAE bilateral relationship, Sudhir highlighted the robust growth in ties, particularly in trade, which crossed USD 100 billion in the 2024-25 financial year, well ahead of the target. He pointed to the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) as a flagship initiative, with India and the UAE leading efforts to enhance connectivity, reduce paperwork, and facilitate the movement of goods, data, and clean energy. We are testing a proof of concept for IMEC, which could materialise in the next month, he revealed. Sudhir also noted advancements in fintech, with the UAE's credit and debit card system built on India's RuPay stack, and the local currency trade settlement mechanism boosting confidence in the Indian rupee and UAE dirham.
Khaleej Times
25-04-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Dubai Summit spotlights IMEC as a global model for innovation and integration
The SCM Middle East Conclave & Awards 2025 concluded today in Dubai, establishing itself as a powerful platform for redefining the future of global logistics, trade, and supply chain resilience. Organised by Logistics Shakti, the two-day event drew over 400 influential stakeholders, including global CEOs, CXOs, investors, and policymakers from India, the UAE, and the broader India-Middle East-Europe (IME) Corridor. Gracing the occasion as chief guest was former president of India Ram Nath Kovind, alongside Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh, undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy, UAE, as guest of honour. Their presence, along with other eminent dignitaries, underscored the event's strategic importance in advancing regional and global trade partnerships. One of the most anticipated discussions centered on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), which promises to revolutionise trade efficiency. Notably, shipments from India to mainland Europe via the IMEC are projected to be delivered nearly 40% faster and at 30% lower cost than the traditional Suez Canal route, reinforcing the corridor's game-changing potential. Speaking at the conclave, Ram Nath Kovind remarked, "It is a privilege to be part of the SCM Middle East Conclave 2025 in Dubai—a city that embodies global dynamism. The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor is more than a trade route; it is a bridge between civilisations and a promise of shared prosperity. As India emerges as a global growth engine, let us move forward together in the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the world is one family." Highlighting the UAE's vision for sustainable and technology-driven trade, Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh said: "The UAE stands at the crossroads of a global economic transformation, powered by innovation, AI, and strategic alliances. Our record-breaking $815 billion in non-oil foreign trade in 2024 is a testament to our commitment to building inclusive, tech-enabled supply chains. Through initiatives like the Trade Tech Accelerator and CEPA, and with transformative projects such as the IMEC, we are creating agile and transparent trade networks that will shape the future of global commerce." Meenakshi Lekhi, former Minister of State for External Affairs, Government of India, added powerful insights on the strategic relevance of the corridor, stating, "The IMEC is not a competitor to traditional routes, but a vital alternative — a fire escape ensuring continuity in uncertain times. It is a beacon of cooperation, resilience, and regional security. Built not just on infrastructure but also on trust and streamlined processes, this initiative symbolises the evolution of global connectivity." These sessions provided in-depth perspectives on the challenges and opportunities shaping the logistics sector, while emphasising the transformative role of collaboration and innovation. The highlight of the conclave was the SCM Awards 2025, which honoured individuals and organisations for excellence, innovation, and leadership in supply chain management. The awards celebrated milestone achievements that are setting new benchmarks in the industry. Commenting on the success of the event, Kamal Narayan Omer, co-founder and director of Logistics Shakti, said: "The SCM Middle East Conclave and Awards is not just an event—it's a movement towards building a smarter, more connected, and resilient global supply chain ecosystem." Amit Shankhdhar, co-founder and director of Logistics Shakti, echoed the sentiment, stating: "This conclave has served as a vital platform for leaders to co-create the future of global supply chains. With a strong focus on the IME Corridor, we are exploring new possibilities for trade, connectivity, and economic integration."
