Dubai (PTI): An inter-ministerial Indian delegation on the framework agreement on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) has visited the UAE for the first time to hold discussions with the key entities there on cooperation for the empowerment and operation of the strategically vital project.

The visit, which took place within three months of signing the Agreement, reflects the importance both governments attach to the IMEEC project, a press statement by the Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi said.

The Corridor will provide effective alternate supply routes generating efficiencies and reducing costs. Both sides agreed to continue discussions for early implementation of the Agreement, it said.

"India Middle East Europe Corridor (IMEEC) takes shape with the 1st visit of an Indian Inter-Ministerial Delegation to the UAE for the India-UAE Intergovernmental Framework Agreement on IMEEC. Amb @sunjaysudhir led the discussions with key UAE entities like @DPWorldUAE, @ADPortsGroup @CUSTOMSUAE," the Indian mission posted on X.

The IMEEC will comprise two separate corridors, the east corridor connecting India to the Gulf and the northern corridor connecting the Gulf to Europe.

The corridor will provide a reliable and cost-effective cross-border ship-to-rail transit network to supplement existing maritime routes. It intends to increase efficiency, reduce costs, secure regional supply chains, increase trade accessibility, enhance economic cooperation, generate jobs and lower greenhouse gas emissions, resulting in a transformative integration of Asia, Europe and the Middle East (West Asia).

The IMEC corridor, which aims at integration of Asia, Europe and the Middle East involves multiple stakeholders and is at an incipient stage, the Ministry of External Affairs said in February this year.

The visit by the Indian delegation to hold meetings under the Framework Agreement between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) concerning cooperation for the empowerment and operation of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) to the UAE took place from May 15 to 17, the statement said.

The Framework Agreement was signed between India and the UAE on February 13 in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of the UAE Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi.

The Agreement provides for cooperation towards developing the IMEEC and exploring potential joint investment and technical collaboration towards this objective.

The Indian delegation comprised senior officials from the Ministry of Shipping, Ports & Waterways, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Central Board of Excise and Customs and Deendayal Upadhyay Port, Kandla. They visited Khalifa Port, Fujairah Port and Jebel Ali Port where they held detailed discussions with the respective Port authorities for facilitating the movement of goods between India and the UAE and beyond.

They also held meetings with UAE Customs Authorities.

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New Delhi: Alt News co-founder and fact-checker Mohammed Zubair has accused news agency ANI of selective reporting, pointing out its focus on an idol vandalism case in Hyderabad while allegedly ignoring a similar incident in Lucknow. Zubair stated, "Yesterday, there were two incidents of idol vandalism: one in Lucknow and another in Hyderabad. Interestingly, ANI reported on the Hyderabad case, even securing a video byte from BJP opposition members, but did not cover the incident in BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh, where the accused remains at large."

In Hyderabad, a man named Krishnaiah Goud was arrested by the Begum Bazaar police for allegedly vandalising a Durga idol at Numaish Grounds. The incident occurred during a Dandiya program early Thursday morning. The accused, who is reportedly mentally disturbed, was arrested in the Feelkhana area later that evening. DCP Central Akshansh Yadav confirmed that two cases were registered—one against Goud and another against the event organisers for inadequate security. He also clarified that the incident had no communal motive.

In Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, an idol of goddess Durga was vandalised at the Mari Mata temple in Neelmatha on October 10. The miscreants damaged the idol’s hand, with the act discovered by the temple priest during preparations for the morning puja. Police have registered a case and are working to identify the culprits. Local authorities, including ACP Abhay Pratap Mall, assured that the situation is under control, and a new idol has been installed.