Corridors

• IMEC vs. BRI: This is the most direct and publicly acknowledged rivalry.

  • IMEC is seen as a Western-backed (US, EU) initiative, with India and Saudi Arabia as key partners, to counter China's growing influence through the BRI. It aims to offer an alternative, "values-based" infrastructure development model, often emphasizing transparency and sustainability.

  • BRI, being China's ambitious flagship project, seeks to solidify its economic and geopolitical leadership across Eurasia. It has faced criticism regarding debt traps and lack of transparency.

  • Competition for investments and traffic: Both initiatives vie for the attention of countries along their proposed routes and aim to attract a significant share of global trade.

• Iraq Development Road vs. IMEC:

  • While not explicitly stated as rivals by all parties, the Iraq Development Road could be seen as a direct competitor to IMEC in terms of connecting the Middle East to Europe. Both aim to reduce transit times compared to traditional sea routes.

  • Turkey's prominent role in the Development Road, and its initial exclusion from IMEC discussions, highlights a potential divergence of interests. Turkey is actively trying to position itself as a key transit hub for East-West trade, which aligns with the Development Road's goals.

• Land Corridors vs. Sea Routes (e.g., Suez Canal):

  • All these land-based corridors (IMEC, Development Road, Middle Corridor) aim to offer faster and potentially more secure alternatives to traditional maritime routes, particularly the Suez Canal, which has faced disruptions from conflicts (e.g., Red Sea attacks) and congestion. This creates a natural competition for freight traffic.

• Middle Corridor vs. Northern Corridor (BRI through Russia):

  • The Middle Corridor has gained significant traction due to the conflict in Ukraine, making the traditional Northern Corridor (through Russia) less desirable for many international companies due to sanctions and security concerns. This has led to a shift of traffic and investment towards the Middle Corridor"

• INTSC vs Alternative to Traditional Maritime Routes (Suez Canal):

  • The INSTC aims to provide a shorter and more cost-effective multimodal route (ship, rail, road) for moving freight between India, Iran, Russia, Central Asia, and Europe.

  • It offers a direct challenge to the traditional Suez Canal route, which can be prone to disruptions (like the Ever Given incident) and security threats (like those in the Red Sea). The INSTC promises to reduce transit times by 40% and costs by 30% compared to the Suez Canal.

• INTSC vs China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI):

  • While not explicitly conceived as a counter to the BRI, the INSTC serves as an alternative for countries seeking to diversify their trade routes and reduce dependence on China's massive infrastructure project.

  • For India, the INSTC is particularly strategic as it provides access to Central Asian markets and bypasses Pakistan, directly challenging the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is part of the BRI and which India views as violating its sovereignty.

  • Similarly, Russia sees the INSTC as a way to increase its influence in Central Asia and reduce reliance on Western-controlled trade routes.

• INTSC Competition with Other Regional Corridors (e.g., Middle Corridor, IMEC):

  • Middle Corridor (Trans-Caspian International Transport Route): This corridor, promoted by Turkey and passing through Azerbaijan, the Caspian Sea, Kazakhstan, and China, also aims to connect East and West. There's a debate on whether the INSTC and Middle Corridor are rivals or potential partners. While they share overlapping geographic reach in Central Asia, their success can depend on cooperation, especially in terms of shared infrastructure and reducing logistical costs. Turkey, by promoting the Middle Corridor, aims to position itself as a major Eurasian power, potentially limiting Iran's transit power.

  • India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC): Launched at the G20 summit in 2023 with support from the US, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Europe, IMEC is another significant rival. It aims to connect India to Europe via the Persian Gulf and Israel, serving as a direct competitor to both the Suez Canal and, to some extent, the INSTC, particularly for India's trade with Europe. However, its progress has been hindered by geopolitical instability in the Middle East.