New Delhi: The ongoing Israel-Hamas war may negatively impact the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, think tank Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) said. The think tank said that during the initial days, the Israel-Hamas conflict’s consequences will only be felt in Israel and Gaza, however, if the war stretches for long, the ripple effects throughout the Middle East cannot be underestimated. GTRI said the Israel-Hamas could hamper the prospect of a historic Israel-Saudi Arabia peace deal that is crucial for the India Middle East Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) framework. “The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict may disrupt the project’s timelines and outcomes, marking a pivotal juncture in the development of this ambitious economic corridor. While the war’s direct impact remains regional, the geopolitical consequences reverberate far beyond, with potential consequences for the proposed corridor,” GTRI co-founder Ajay Srivastava said. All about India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor IMEEC, a proposed economic corridor, would span from India to Europe, passing through the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Israel, and Greece. It is aimed at connecting India to the Gulf region and a Northern Corridor connecting the Gulf region to Europe. Also Read: India vs Pakistan: A comparison of economies The proposed corridor will also have a railway and ship-rail transit network and road transport routes. On the sidelines of the G20 Summit in India, a MOU on IMEC was signed by India, USA, Saudi Arabia, UAE, European Union, Italy, France and Germany. IMEEC, a proposed economic corridor, aims to boost economic development by fostering connectivity and economic integration between Asia, the Persian Gulf, and Europe. Also Read: ‘India won’t impose restrictions on laptop imports’ Several international experts see the IMEEC as the response to China’s Belt and Road Initiative. After the signing of the IMEEC MoU, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said the proposed corridor “will address obstacles created by Pakistan’s denial of over-land access and China’s reported connectivity designs in the region”. PM Modi’s views on India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor Expressing happiness over the signing of the MoU on IMEEC, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the proposed corridor promises to be a beacon of cooperation, innovation, and shared progress charting a journey of shared aspirations and dreams. “Charting a journey of shared aspirations and dreams, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor promises to be a beacon of cooperation, innovation, and shared progress. As history unfolds, may this corridor be a testament to human endeavour and unity across continents,” PM Modi posted on X.