A newly announced US-led infrastructure project<\/a> with India, Europe and the Middle East<\/a> will energise economic development through improved connectivity and integration between Asia, the Persian Gulf and Europe, according to its proponents.<\/p>\n The ambitious plans bear a strong similarity to China’s bigger Belt and Road Initiative<\/a>, and if completed, would be seen as a challenge to the Chinese strategy.<\/p>\n But some observers have cast doubt over prospects for the US-led project, with several of its predecessors having already evaporated.<\/p>\n Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge<\/a>, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team.<\/p>\n The highlight of the project – which did not refer to China directly – is a rail and shipping corridor that would connect India<\/a> with Saudi Arabia<\/a>, the United Arab Emirates and ultimately the European Union, to enable greater trade among the countries, including in energy and digital products.<\/p>\n It was announced at this month’s Group of 20<\/a> Summit, which the Chinese and Russian presidents did not attend.<\/p>\n “It’s a big deal. It’s a really big deal. This project will contribute to making the Middle East a more prosperous, stable and integrated region,” US President Joe Biden<\/a> said.<\/p>\n