Weekly News FROM THE CORRIDOR EVERY WEDNESDAY
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Introducing WGA’s India, Middle East Economic Corridor (IMEC) – your single-source for local and regional up-to-date news coverage from across the full economic corridor. With bi-weekly updates from up to 27 leading news agencies, websites and on-line newspapers across nine countries, our IMEC offers an easy-to-use platform for breaking news, op-eds, and brief reports from the corridor. Stay regularly informed by visiting the WGA website once a week, every Wednesday.
Washington Global Advisors (WGA) provides links to referenced articles, but cannot guarantee the accuracy of content because we are not publishers. We are providing a platform for both casual readers and analysts to stay better informed about this dynamic and ever-changing region. Links may lead to related topics, main pages, or updated versions. WGA strives for link accuracy at publication, but is not responsible for external website content or changes. Readers should exercise discretion and verify information from multiple sources when necessary.
France
France24
Microsoft strikes ‘multibillion-dollar’ deal with French AI firm Mistral
Introduction: Microsoft has agreed to spend billions of dollars on Mistral’s computing infrastructure in Europe under a deal that will also expand distribution of the French AI startup’s technology through the US cloud and software giant, the companies said on Tuesday. URL: https://www.france24.com/en/france/20260721-microsoft-strikes-multi-billion-dollar-deal-to-expand-france-ai-firm-mistral
Lemonde
Laurent Nuñez, French interior minister: ‘Trusting police officers and gendarmes never means shielding them from judicial oversight’
Introduction: As lawmakers will consider a petition on Tuesday against the presumption of self-defense for law enforcement, the interior minister writes that the proposed bill creates neither privilege nor impunity. URL: https://www.lemonde.fr/en/opinion/article/2026/07/21/laurent-nunez-french-interior-minister-trusting-police-officers-and-gendarmes-never-means-shielding-them-from-judicial-oversight_6755679_23.html
The Cradle
Data routes and the new balance of power
Introduction: On the morning of 23 March 2021, the world watched as the ‘Ever Given,’ one of the largest container ships ever built, became wedged across the Suez Canal. Within hours, hundreds of vessels were stranded. Global supply chains slowed, insurance costs climbed, and energy markets reacted. URL: https://thecradle.co/articles/data-routes-and-the-new-balance-of-power
Greece
Greek City Times
Eldorado Gold Reaches Key Milestone at Skouries Project in Greece
Introduction: Eldorado Gold Corporation (TSX: ELD, NYSE: EGO) announced today that it has achieved a significant milestone at its Skouries copper-gold project in northern Greece, with the first ore successfully crushed as the project advances through commissioning. URL: https://greekcitytimes.com/2026/07/21/eldorado-gold-reaches-key-milestone-at-skouries-project-in-greece/?_gl=1*lzeb6v*_up*MQ..*_ga*MTAyMzc0MjE0MS4xNzg0NjU4OTky*_ga_QYX0VB6QBR*czE3ODQ2NTg5OTIkbzEkZzEkdDE3ODQ2NTkwMDgkajQ0JGwwJGgyMDEzOTA1MDA2JGR3UUliTkMxaWN3aTZUTHZfdGsxRWpCWk5VRXJKb2xmakx3
Greek News USA
Nisyros: New permanent seismological station strengthens volcano monitoring on the island
Introduction: The Municipality of Nisyros, in collaboration with the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), is taking further steps to strengthen the scientific monitoring of the island’s volcano through the installation of a new permanent seismological station in Emporeios. At the same time, according to data from the NKUA Seismology Laboratory, seismic activity in the volcanic area remains virtually non-existent, and there are currently no indications of any risk from volcanic activity. URL: https://www.greeknewsusa.com/nisyros-new-permanent-seismological-station-strengthens-volcano-monitoring-on-the-island/
Ekathimerini
Greece says EU sanctions against Russia risk ceding LNG market share to rivals
Introduction: Greece, which objected to the terms of a sanctions package against Russia this week, warned the EU that a ban on transferring Russian gas to third countries could result in a loss of market share to non-EU rivals, two Greek government officials said on Friday. URL: https://www.ekathimerini.com/politics/foreign-policy/1309892/greece-says-eu-sanctions-against-russia-risk-ceding-lng-market-share-to-rivals/
India
TimesofIndia
Strait of Hormuz disruptions: Two state-run refiners cancel plans to lift Iraqi oil amid renewed US-Iran tensions.
Introduction: Strait of Hormuz disruptions: Two Indian state-run refiners have cancelled plans to pick up Iraqi crude oil shipments in view of the ongoing disruptions and risks in transiting through the Strait of Hormuz in the Middle East. Renewed attacks and tensions between the US and Iran have once again de facto closed the Strait of Hormuz. URL: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/132538442.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst
IndianCommunity
India’s Ambassador to Poland Presents Credentials to President Nawrocki
Introduction: India’s Ambassador to Poland, Neeta Bhushan, officially assumed her role by presenting her Letter of Credence to President Karol Nawrocki at the Belweder Palace in Warsaw. Following the ceremony, Ambassador Bhushan held a courtesy meeting with President Nawrocki, emphasizing the strong bond between India and Poland. Additionally, she paid respects by laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Warsaw. URL: https://indian.community/news/indias-ambassador-to-poland-presents-credentials-to-president-nawrocki/
CSEP
An African Future for the Quad: Assembly Lining a Critical Minerals Supply Chain
Introduction: Africa’s critical minerals now sit at the centre of the global energy transition. Holding nearly 30% of the world’s reserves, including 55% of cobalt, 47% of manganese, and 21% of graphite, producer countries aim not only to supply the minerals that power the future, but to drive mineral-led industrialisation at home. The question is no longer whether Africa matters to critical-mineral supply chains, but whether external partners’ growing engagement supports value addition, infrastructure, and industrial capability, or simply another round of raw-material extraction. URL: https://csep.org/blog/an-african-future-for-the-quad-assembly-lining-a-critical-minerals-supply-chain/
Israel
Algemeiner
Israel Launches Plan to Build National Quantum Computing Hub for Industry and Research
Introduction: Israel is investing NIS 100 million, roughly $33 million, to establish a national quantum computing research and development infrastructure aimed at giving Israeli companies and universities access to multiple advanced quantum technologies. URL: https://www.algemeiner.com/2026/07/20/israel-launches-plan-to-build-national-quantum-computing-hub-for-industry-and-research/
TimesOfIsrael
Israel remains on sidelines of US-Iran fight, which for Jerusalem is just fine for now
Introduction: Tehran is determined to impose its control over Hormuz, and hitting Israel doesn’t advance that goal. Normalcy returns, but no solution to the Iran threat is even on the horizon. URL: https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-remains-on-sidelines-of-us-iran-fight-which-for-jerusalem-is-just-fine-for-now/
JPost
West African leaders sign $25 billion Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline agreement
Introduction: Once completed, it will have an annual capacity of 30 billion cubic meters of natural gas, with about half of that designated for export to Europe via an existing connection to Spain. West African leaders signed the Intergovernmental Agreement for the $25 billion Nigeria-Morocco Atlantic Gas Pipeline during the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) summit in Freetown, Sierra Leone, establishing the legal and regulatory framework needed to advance one of Africa’s largest cross-border energy projects. URL: https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/article-903228
Italy
Decode39
Rector Giusti: “The real issue is not AgID — it is Italy’s strategic position in the AI race”
Introduction: In an interview with Decode39, Carlo Alberto Giusti argues that the AI competition is ultimately about technological sovereignty, highlights the enduring advantage of the U.S. university system, and explains why the battle over AI governance has become an existential geopolitical challenge. URL: https://decode39.com/15783/rector-giusti-the-real-issue-is-not-agid-it-is-italys-strategic-position-in-the-ai-race/
Agenzia Nova
Tunisia-Italy: The Chamber of Commerce aims to develop the automotive supply chain.
Introduction: Strengthening the presence of Italian investments in the Tunisian automotive sector, promoting industrial partnerships, and increasing trade between companies from the two countries. This is the goal of the partnership agreement signed between the Tunisian-Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CTICI) and the Tunisian Automotive Association (TAA), announced yesterday evening in Tunis by the Chamber’s president. URL: https://www.agenzianova.com/en/news/Tunisia-Italy-Chamber-of-Commerce-aims-to-develop-the-automotive-industry/
Enterprise
Petrojet and Enppi are set to grab a slice of Petroleum Development Oman’s USD 6 bn project pipeline
Introduction: Petrojet and Enppi have secured a six-year route into Petroleum Development Oman’s (PDO) USD 6 bn+ project pipeline. The Egyptian consortium was selected as one of four international contractors and alliances eligible to compete for engineering, procurement, and construction work under a long-term framework with PDO, according to a statement from the Oil Ministry. URL: https://enterpriseam.com/egypt/2026/07/20/petrojet-and-enppi-are-set-to-grab-a-slice-of-petroleum-development-omans-usd-6-bn-project-pipeline/
Jordan
Jordan News
Vessel Transit Through Strait of Hormuz Declines as War with Iran Continues
Introduction: Shipping data revealed that the number of vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz fell further at the start of the week, amid heightened caution following a fresh exchange of attacks between the United States and Iran. URL: https://www.jordannews.jo/Section-112/Economy/Vessel-Transit-Through-Strait-of-Hormuz-Declines-as-War-with-Iran-Continues-53304
Jordan News Gazette
Jordan, Spain Ink £765,000 Water Digitalization Deal
Amman: Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abu Saud and Spanish Ambassador Jos© Luis Pardo Cuerdo signed a £765,000 financing agreement for consultancy services supporting the digital transformation of Jordan’s water sector, financed by Spain’s loan guarantee institution. URL: https://jordannewsgazette.com/jordan-spain-ink-765000-water-digitalization-deal/
Amman Free Press
Minister of Industry Discusses Enhancing Competitiveness of Jordanian Garment Exports in Washington
Introduction: Jordan Chamber of Industry: Jordanian garment exports to the United States exceeded JOD 1.5 billion last year. Minister of Industry affirms Jordan’s absolute commitment to deepening its economic partnership with the United States. Minister of Industry calls on U.S. companies to explore promising opportunities offered by Jordan’s investment environment. URL: https://www.jordannews.jo/Section-112/Economy/Minister-of-Industry-Discusses-Enhancing-Competitiveness-of-Jordanian-Garment-Exports-in-Washington-53292
KSA (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia)
Arab News
Saudi banks post strong H1 results on lending growth, operating income
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s largest lenders, including Saudi National Bank, Al Rajhi Bank and Riyad Bank, reported higher first-half earnings in 2026, driven by robust lending growth, resilient operating income and improving liquidity, bourse filings showed. URL: https://www.arabnews.com/node/2651730/business-economy
Saudi Gazette
Saudi ambassador arrives in Paris to assume post in France, Monaco
PARIS: Saudi Ambassador Faisal Al-Mujfel arrived in the French capital, Paris, on Tuesday to assume his duties as the Kingdom’s ambassador to France and non-resident ambassador to Monaco. He was received at Charles de Gaulle Airport by Didier Le Bret, chief of protocol at the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, along with Chargé d’Affaires Majdi Mahram and members of the Saudi Embassy. URL: https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/663164/saudi-arabia/sdaia-issues-ai-bias-reference-guide-with-more-than-100-bias-types
The Cradle
Saudi tankers turn tail in Red Sea amid Yemeni blockade
Introduction: The Xin Long Yang, loaded with 2 million barrels of crude at Yanbu, and the Rodos, carrying roughly 700,000 barrels, turned back toward the Suez Canal instead of continuing through the Bab al-Mandab Strait off Yemen. A third tanker bound for Yanbu from outside Bab al-Mandab was also forced to reverse course off the coast of Oman. URL: https://thecradle.co/articles/saudi-tankers-turn-tail-in-red-sea-amid-yemeni-blockade
Sri Lanka
Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)
IFC and HSBC invest US$ 40mn to upgrade Colombo Port infrastructure
Introduction: The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, and HSBC are investing up to US$ 40 million through financing in South Asia Gateway Terminals (Pvt) Ltd. (SAGT) to modernize and decarbonize operations at the Port of Colombo. URL: https://www.dailymirror.lk/business-news/IFC-and-HSBC-invest-US-40mn-to-upgrade-Colombo-Port-infrastructure/273-346255
EconomyNext
Sri Lanka approves $17.16mn tugboat hire for Ports Authority
Introduction: The cabinet of ministers has approved hiring two tugboats from Sri Lanka Shipping Company Limited, for 17.16 million dollars, excluding applicable taxes and duties, minister Nalinda Jayatissa said. URL: https://economynext.com/sri-lanka-approves-17-16mn-tugboat-hire-for-ports-authority-279026/
SLGuardian
Global Trade’s Fragile Arteries: How Maritime Chokepoints Became the World Economy’s Latest Vulnerability
Introduction: The latest confrontation between the United States and Iran has drawn gloval attention to a critical weakness in international trade: the dependence of the world economy on a small number of maritime chokepoints. When one of these strategic passages is disrupted, the effects can spread rapidly, affecting energy markets, manufacturing centers and consumers thousands of miles away. URL: https://slguardian.org/global-trades-fragile-arteries-how-maritime-chokepoints-became-the-world-economys-latest-vulnerability/
UAE (United Arab Emirates)
Khaleejtimes
UAE flight updates: Emirates, Etihad extend cancellations of flights to Kuwait, Bahrain
Introduction: Air traffic in the UAE have largely remained unaffected save for the last few days, with 16 flights being cancelled on Monday due to ongoing attacks. URL: https://www.khaleejtimes.com/business/aviation/bahrain-kuwait-airspace-flights-cancelled-delayed-uae-routes-airlines-iranian-attacks
The National News
Tankers carrying Saudi oil U-turn in Red Sea after Houthi threats
Introduction: Several tankers loaded with Saudi oil turned around in the Red Sea on Tuesday, a day after Houthi rebels threatened to attack the kingdom’s shipping. The tankers, which were carrying millions of barrels of oil to markets including China and India, abandoned their course for the Bab Al Mandeb and turned towards the Suez Canal. URL: https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/gulf/2026/07/21/saudi-arabia-rejects-houthi-maritime-embargo-threat-and-warns-of-red-sea-escalation/
AAWSAT
Iran Warns Bulgaria Against Aiding US Military Operations After Move to Station US Aircraft
Introduction: Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman warned Bulgaria on Tuesday against allowing the US to use its territory for military operations against Iran. The Bulgarian government has said it will seek parliamentary approval to station up to eight US tanker aircraft at an air base in the Balkan country, which is a member of NATO and the European Union. URL: https://english.aawsat.com/world/5298641-iran-warns-bulgaria-against-aiding-us-military-operations-after-move-station-us
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