### Summary
Under the rivalry between the US and China, many middle and small powers are making their own mark on the international order by reshaping the world economy, affecting the global balance of power, and increasing their economic weight, military potential, and diplomatic stature. These changes have been caused by unhappiness with globalization, the risks of overreliance on rivals for vital supplies, and the rise of China.
### Facts
- The unhappiness with globalization in the West, especially in America, has caused economic anxiety, social discontent, and political backlash.
- Covid-19 exposed the risks of overreliance on another country, especially a rival, for vital supplies.
- Russia's invasion of Ukraine revealed the EU's dependence on Moscow for energy.
- The rise of China has rattled the US and other countries, leading to the search for a new geo-economics.
- US allies in the Indo-Pacific are strengthening their defenses through military and technological cooperation with Washington.
- Geo-economics and geopolitics have merged, with the US leading in redefining globalization that does not harm national security, technological supremacy, and economic leadership.
- India is at the crossroads of new geo-economics and geopolitics, being America's natural geopolitical partner and an attractive partner in geo-economics.
- Middle powers like India are benefiting by aligning themselves with the US and forming independent groupings at the global or regional levels.
- Many players are multi-aligning and multi-networking through mini forums, ad hoc groupings, and shifting coalitions, making the international order very fluid.
Global leaders have announced a multinational rail and ports deal at the G20 summit in New Delhi, aiming to connect the Middle East and South Asia and provide an alternative to China's Belt and Road initiative.
US President Joe Biden described India's plan to build a rail and shipping corridor linking India with the Middle East and Europe as a "game-changing investment" during the G20 Summit, aiming to boost trade, transport energy resources, and improve digital connectivity.
India, along with several countries including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, EU, France, Italy, Germany, and the US, will launch an economic corridor connecting India, the Middle East, and Europe, which is expected to significantly boost trade and connectivity.
India, along with the US, EU, Saudi Arabia, and UAE, has signed a deal to establish the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEE EC) as an alternative to China's One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative, aiming to provide faster and cheaper transportation options to west Asia and Europe.
The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), considered an alternative to China's Belt and Road Initiative, is being hailed as the "largest cooperation project in our history" by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who believes it will reshape the Middle East and benefit the entire world.
Israel is set to become a global transportation hub as it plays a crucial role in the proposed India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, which will connect the three regions through rail, gas, and fiber optics lines.
A new multibillion-dollar rail and shipping corridor called the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor was announced at the G20 summit, which aims to enhance connectivity and integration between participating countries and boost economic growth in the Middle East.
India and Saudi Arabia are discussing the possibility of trading in their local currencies, potentially ending their reliance on the US dollar for cross-border transactions.
The plan by the U.S. and India to build an alternative to China's Belt and Road Initiative could lead to better deals for countries along the route and is seen as healthy competition by participants at a conference in Hong Kong.
The United States is in regular contact with Saudi Arabia to ensure a stable and affordable supply of energy to global markets, according to National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. This comes as cuts in oil output by Saudi Arabia and Russia are expected to result in a significant market deficit.
Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's attendance at the recent G20 summit in India, along with its inclusion in the China-dominated BRICS coalition and signing of the ship-to-rail economic corridor supported by President Joe Biden, highlights the complex web of alliances and economic opportunities arising from the rivalry between the US and China. These developments show the various economies caught between the two powers seeking to build their own strategic alliances and spheres of influence.
The United States needs to cultivate strategic relationships with Vietnam, India, the Philippines, and Saudi Arabia, known as the VIPS, in order to counterbalance the growing influence of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) and navigate the challenges of a changing global landscape.
Saudi Arabia and India have significantly increased their level of engagement and cooperation, with numerous agreements signed during the recent visit of the Saudi crown prince to India, indicating potential for India to contribute to the Kingdom's Vision 2030 transformation plan and ongoing megaprojects such as NEOM.
India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, proposed by India, the US, United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia, aims to create shipping and railway links that will connect Europe and the Middle East to India and counter China's 'Belt and Road' initiative.
Western countries have an opportunity with the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII) to counter China's struggling Belt and Road Initiative by providing a credible infrastructure plan for developing countries, but the financing and transparency of the PGII still need to be addressed.
