By Sanjeev Oak

China’s ambitions to dominate global infrastructure through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) have suffered a major setback. Italy, the only G7 nation involved in the BRI, announced its withdrawal, delivering a symbolic blow to Beijing. Simultaneously, India’s announcement of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) has emerged as a strategic alternative, placing a crucial check on China’s expansionist agenda.

Italy’s Exit: A Major Blow to China
Italy’s decision to pull out of the BRI reflects growing disillusionment with Beijing’s promises. Signed in 2019, Italy’s involvement aimed to accelerate infrastructure projects like the high-speed rail between Turin and Lyon. However, delays and rising costs turned the project into a burden. Italy’s withdrawal not only underscores frustrations with China’s opaque terms but also amplifies Western efforts—led by the U.S. and Europe—to counter China’s influence.

Many countries have accused China of pushing unsustainable debt under the guise of BRI development. Environmental destruction, lack of transparency, and growing political influence have sparked widespread criticism. Italy’s exit sends a strong message to other nations considering participation: the risks outweigh the rewards.

What is IMEC?
The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) is a proposed trade and investment corridor that aims to diversify partnerships and reduce dependency on China. Announced as a collaborative project involving India, the U.S., Saudi Arabia, the UAE, France, Germany, Italy, and the European Union, IMEC is designed to boost global trade while offering a credible alternative to the BRI.

The project envisions two corridors:

1. Eastern Corridor: Connecting India to the Middle East via Iran and Turkey.
2. Northern Corridor: Linking the Middle East to Europe through Turkey, Greece, and Italy.

IMEC plans to create a seamless network of railways and shipping lanes to enhance connectivity and streamline trade between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. For India, this translates into expanded export opportunities, enhanced logistics, and millions of new jobs, driving economic growth and foreign investment.

The BRI and China’s Motives
Launched in 2013, China’s Belt and Road Initiative aimed to link Asia, Africa, and Europe through infrastructure projects such as roads, railways, and ports. Critics argue that China’s real intent was to push cheaper Chinese goods into global markets while trapping developing nations in massive debt. Projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), connecting Xinjiang to Pakistan’s Gwadar Port, highlight China’s strategy of leveraging infrastructure for geopolitical influence.

However, concerns over debt sustainability, violations of environmental and human rights norms, and lack of transparency have led to growing opposition. For example, Pakistan’s economic woes are often linked to its involvement in CPEC. Similar projects in Laos, Bangladesh, and Myanmar have raised red flags about China’s expansionist policies.

Strategic Significance of IMEC
IMEC directly counters China’s BRI by fostering cooperation among the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and India. The project aims to strengthen regional stability, enhance energy security, and attract foreign investments, especially into India. Notably, IMEC opens Indian markets to global trade, promotes industrial development, and underlines India’s rising importance as a global economic player.

Unlike the BRI, which has been criticized for exploiting participating nations, IMEC represents a collaborative, transparent effort backed by leading global economies. By offering an alternative to China’s dominance, IMEC not only curtails Beijing’s ambitions but also strengthens India’s position in global trade.

A Changing Geopolitical Landscape
Italy’s exit from the BRI, coupled with India’s IMEC announcement, marks a shift in global geopolitics. For China, this is a significant setback—one that reduces its economic leverage and limits its strategic reach. For India and its allies, IMEC is a step toward fostering sustainable development, economic diversification, and regional stability.

By aligning with the U.S., the European Union, and Middle Eastern powers, India has not only strengthened its geopolitical ties but also placed a decisive check on China’s expansionist agenda. Italy’s withdrawal further amplifies this trend, signaling to the world that China’s unchecked ambitions are no longer a certainty.