IMEC will prove to be one of 'biggest game-changers' of 21st century: President Murmu

New Delhi: The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) will prove to be one of the "biggest game-changers" of the 21st century, President Droupadi Murmu said in Parliament on Thursday.

She also said the global order is taking a "new shape" and that the government's efforts are resulting in "Bharat" giving a new confidence to the world as a "Vishwa-Bandhu" (friend of the world).

In her address to a joint sitting of the Parliament, Murmu said India today is the first responder in any crisis and has become a strong voice of the Global South in view of its human-centric approach.

Outlining priorities of the Modi government in the foreign policy domain, the president said India is giving great emphasis on connectivity.

"Be it East Asia or Middle-East and Europe, my government is giving great emphasis on connectivity. It is India's vision that has given shape to the India Middle East Europe Economic Corridor," she said.

"This corridor will prove to be one of the biggest game-changers of the 21st century," Murmu added.

Billed as a pathbreaking initiative, the IMEC envisages a vast road, railroad and shipping networks among Saudi Arabia, India, the United States and Europe with an aim to ensure integration among Asia, Middle East and West.

The IMEC initiative was firmed up on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Delhi in September last year.

An agreement was signed by India, Saudi Arabia, the European Union, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the US and some other G20 partners for the corridor.

"Today's India is known not for adding to the challenges the world is facing, but for providing solutions to the world. As a Vishwa-Bandhu, India has taken initiatives in providing solutions to many global problems," Murmu said.

"We are providing various solutions for issues ranging from climate change to food security and from nutrition to sustainable agriculture," she said.

The president also delved into various aspects of India's foreign policy priorities.

"The global order is taking a new shape in this third decade of 21st century. Due to the efforts of my Government, Bharat is giving a new confidence to the world as a Vishwa-Bandhu," she said.

Murmu said India has been at the forefront in safeguarding humanity -- be it the Corona crisis or an earthquake or a war, adding the way the world now views the country was evident during the G-7 summit held in Italy this month.

"India also brought the world together on various issues during her G-20 presidency. It was during India's presidency that the African Union was made a permanent member of the G-20," she said.

The president observed that the move strengthened the confidence of Africa and the entire Global South.

"Following the Neighbourhood First Policy, India has strengthened its relations with neighbouring countries," she said.

"The participation of the leaders of seven neighbouring countries in the swearing-in ceremony of the Union Council of Ministers on June 9 reflects this priority of my government," she said.

"India, in the spirit of Sabka Saath-Sabka Vikas, is also increasing cooperation with the countries of the Indo-Pacific region," she noted.

The president also touched upon the recent Lok Sabha polls.

"The whole world is talking about the Lok Sabha Elections 2024. The world is witnessing that the people of India have elected a stable government with clear majority, consecutively for the third term," she said.

"This has happened after six decades," Murmu added.

On India's initiative, the year 2023 was celebrated as the International Year of Millets across the world.

Murmu said India's global stature is rising continuously. "The prestige of this great legacy of India is continuously rising in the world." "We are achieving our climate related targets much ahead of schedule. Our initiatives towards Net Zero are an inspiration for many countries," she said.