A passage for India

The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor bypassing the Suez Canal promises to change trade dynamics in the Gulf. Acquisition of the Haifa Port in Israel has placed India at a vantage point in the project that connects the east and the west

- NAMRATA BIJI AHUJA/HAIFA, TEL AVIV & JERUSALEM

The Indian tricolour flying high on the mighty Mediterranean coast may surprise visitors to the Haifa Port. Gigantic cargo ships unload goods as varied as imported cars and tonnes of grains under the shadow of the national flags of India and Israel, reinforcing New Delhi’s rising geopolitical stature. India’s ambitions of having a larger strategic and commercial presence in the Middle East has found an anchor in the Haifa Port, which connects the east to the west. Indian and Israeli officials say that the acquisition of the port has placed India at a vantage point in the brand new regional transport corridor—the India-Middle East- Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), the ambitious infrastructure project announced on the sidelines of the G20 summit in New Delhi on September 10.

Haifa is the perfect spot for India’s strategic foray into the region, as it was in this city, located on the slopes of Mount Carmel, that Indian soldiers fought one of the crucial battles of World War I. Indian heroes liberated the historic city in the Battle of Haifa in 1918, beating back Ottoman forces. The victory is commemorated as a proud moment in Indian military history as India and Israel celebrate a sense of camaraderie and friendship. It has now grown into a relationship of trust and strategic partnership across sectors such as defence, technology, agriculture and trade.

As one enters the Haifa Port, which is within walking distance from the Haifa Indian Cemetery, the Indian influence is unmistakeable. This correspondent was welcomed by a staff member with a namaste. "A lot of Indian delegations are visiting us recently," she said. "We are getting used to the language and culture." She also shared her experience of visiting Mumbai and appeared excited about a forthcoming trip to New Delhi.