India, US, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Europe to unveil a transformative infrastructure initiative: US Official

• India, the US, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Europe are collaborating on an unprecedented infrastructure initiative—a railway and shipping corridor
• The project prioritizes high standards, transparency, sustainability, and non-coercion, distinguishing it from China's Belt and Road Initiative
• The initiative seeks to enhance prosperity, address infrastructure gaps, and promote regional stability, aligning with US strategy in West Asia

On the sidelines of the G20 summit, India, the United States, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Europe are set to introduce a transformative infrastructure initiative—a railway and shipping corridor. This project is poised to significantly enhance commerce, energy, and digital connectivity, according to Jon Finer, the US principal deputy national security advisor.

Speaking to reporters, Finer emphasized that this initiative represents a pioneering effort aimed at filling a major infrastructure gap. Importantly, it will adhere to high standards of transparency, sustainability, and non-coercion. The project's development will be guided by the demand signal from the region, in stark contrast to China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which has faced criticism for its unsustainable debt burdens, lack of transparency, and coercive practices.

The corridor linking three regions of the world promises to create a compelling value proposition by fostering prosperity through enhanced connectivity.The project will contribute to bridging infrastructure deficiencies in low and middle-income countries. The US, in collaboration with partners and allies, seeks to play a pivotal role in addressing these gaps.

For the Middle East, often characterized by instability, the initiative presents a substantial opportunity. It aligns with American efforts to reduce regional tensions and foster greater connectivity.

While the initiative currently does not operate under the I2U2 framework (comprising India, Israel, UAE, and the US), there is potential for Israel to become a partner as diplomatic ties between Tel Aviv and Riyadh progress. Finer indicated that countries would speak for themselves regarding their participation in the project.