In the backdrop of rising tensions regarding the Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) and the impending implementation of 25% tariffs on U.S. imports of Indian goods, a significant visit is set to take place next week in India.
Ricky Gill, Special Assistant to President Donald Trump for National Security Affairs and Senior Director for South and Central Asia at the U.S. National Security Council, will lead a delegation to New Delhi on August 5 and 6.
This visit is particularly focused on discussions surrounding the long-delayed India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
India’s National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS), led by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, has extended the invitation for this important summit.
Despite requests for more information about the conference, NSCS officials have not provided further details.
However, sources indicate that several countries involved in the IMEC project will join the discussions, along with the U.S. delegation.
The French delegation will be led by Gerard Mestrallet, the French special envoy to IMEC, while Francesco Talo, the Italian special envoy and a former NSA, will head Italy’s representation.
Originally launched on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in September 2023, the IMEC initiative has faced substantial delays attributed to recent conflicts.
Significant unrest arose following the October 7 terror attacks in Israel, along with Israel’s military actions in Gaza, which have resulted in a staggering loss of life exceeding 60,000.
These developments have impacted key logistical points of the IMEC, particularly the Israeli port of Haifa.
Academics have even suggested alternative routes to circumvent the ongoing violence.
The IMEC aims to establish a trade corridor extending from India to the United Arab Emirates, proceeding by land through Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Israel, before connecting by sea to European ports in France, Italy, and Greece.
A recent conference hosted by the Chintan Research Foundation in Delhi presented the notion of a possible “western spur” route that could redirect through Egypt, ultimately reaching one of its prominent Mediterranean ports.
This alternative would help mitigate the risks associated with the current regional conflict.
During their visit, Gill and the U.S. team are also set to engage with officials from India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
A spokesperson from the U.S. Embassy underlined that this visit reflects the United States’ commitment to enhancing regional connectivity and infrastructure collaboration with vital partners across South Asia, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean.
It is important to note that this trip was planned several weeks prior and is not a direct reaction to the ongoing trade disputes.
However, Gill’s expertise in navigating U.S. sanctions, particularly concerning Russia and Iran, could bring important discussions to the forefront, especially in light of recent developments.
On July 31, 2025, the U.S. State Department issued sanctions against eight Indian entities and five nationals linked to alleged oil trade activities with Iran.
In a related move, President Trump announced that U.S. tariff increases would take effect on August 7, targeting Indian exports, and highlighted potential penalties stemming from India’s purchases of Russian oil, military equipment, and its BRICS membership.
In response to inquiries about President Trump’s concerns regarding India’s energy acquisitions from Russia, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that India’s energy procurement decisions are based on market conditions and global circumstances.
As discussions continue about trade and the potential for cooperation in regional infrastructure, the future of the IMEC project remains uncertain.
image source from：thehindu
