| | JULY 20248Emmanuel Macron, the French President, has chosen Gerard Mestrallet, the former head of Engie, as a special envoy for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), a multinational rail and ports project. This initiative is considered an alternative to China's Belt and Road initiative. Macron's intention is to position France as a key player in the project and ensure favorable conditions for French companies in its early stages.IMEC, launched during the G20 Summit in New Delhi last September, is part of efforts by Washington and Brussels to counter China's global infrastructure initiative. It aims to create railway links between Middle East countries and ports connecting to India, facilitating the streamlined flow of energy and trade from the Gulf to Europe. Anticipated benefits include reduced shipping times, costs, and fuel consumption, according to U.S. and European officials.The memorandum of understanding for IMEC was signed by the European Union, India, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the U.S., and other G20 partners. IMEC envisions two separate corridors: an east corridor connecting India to the Gulf and a northern corridor linking the Gulf with Europe, as outlined in the MOU. Along the railway route, participants plan to install cables for power and data lines, as well as a pipeline for hydrogen derived from renewable energy for use in power generation. In a historic accolade, Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chairman of Bharti Enterprises, has been granted an honorary knighthood by the United Kingdom. Mittal becomes the first Indian citizen to receive this prestigious honor, being appointed as Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE) by King Charles III. This recognition is attributed to Mittal's significant contributions to fostering business relations between the UK and India.The KBE, one of the highest distinctions bestowed by the British sovereign to civilians, is awarded in an honorary capacity to foreign nationals. Expressing his gratitude, Mittal remarked, "I am deeply humbled by this gracious recognition from His Majesty, King Charles". He emphasized the historical ties between the UK and India, heralding a new era of enhanced cooperation and collaboration.Mittal reiterated his commitment to bolstering economic and trade relationships between the two nations, citing the pivotal role played by the UK government in fostering an attractive investment environment. He expressed appreciation for the government's support and attentive approach to business needs.This latest honor adds to Mittal's already illustrious accolades, including the Padma Bhushan, one of India's highest civilian honors, conferred upon him in 2007 for his exemplary service and contributions of distinguished merit.Sunil Bharti Mittal's remarkable achievements continue to underscore his enduring dedication to fostering global partnerships and driving economic growth. MACRON APPOINTS EX-ENGIE CHIEF AS ENVOY FOR ASIA-EU CORRIDORBHARTI ENTERPRISES CHAIRMAN SUNIL BHARTI MITTAL RECEIVES HONORARY KNIGHTHOOD FROM UKIN FOCUSIN FOCUS
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