Oman, Egypt, Lebanon, Greece and Cyprus have formally expressed interest in joining the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), as confirmed by French President’s Special Envoy for IMEC Gérard Mestrallet on 6 October 2026. A ministerial-level meeting is anticipated later in 2026 to consider the corridor’s geographical expansion.
IMEC: Proposed Connectivity Framework
IMEC was announced in September 2023 during India’s G20 presidency as a proposed network connecting India with the Gulf region and Europe. Its planned transport links include railway, ship-to-rail transit and road networks. The corridor’s proposed infrastructure also includes electricity cables, digital connectivity and a clean hydrogen pipeline.
IMEC is organised around an eastern corridor linking India with the Arabian Gulf and a northern corridor connecting the Gulf with Europe. The proposed routes combine maritime and land-based transport links.
Membership and Governance
The original IMEC signatories are India, the United States, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, France, Germany, Italy and the European Union. Expansion of membership requires unanimous approval from all eight original signatories.
Mestrallet visited India from 5 to 7 October 2026. Greece and Cyprus have expressed particular interest in full membership, while Egypt, Lebanon and Oman have expressed interest in joining or working with the corridor.
Geography and Proposed Connections
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam discussed Lebanon joining IMEC in February 2026. The discussions included the potential participation of the ports of Beirut and Tripoli.
Oman’s proposed participation could add a gateway and an alternative route to the United Arab Emirates. Oman lies outside the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Mestrallet cited tensions involving Iran and the Gaza conflict in calling for multiple routes under IMEC.
Important Facts for Exams
- India held the G20 presidency in 2023, when IMEC was announced.
- The original IMEC signatories include seven countries and the European Union.
- The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman.
- Beirut and Tripoli are Lebanon’s ports discussed in connection with IMEC.
IMEC is a proposed multimodal connectivity network linking India, the Gulf region and Europe. Its original signatories must unanimously approve any expansion of membership.
