Strategic Talks on IMEC and India’s Growing Role in Global Trade
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron visited the headquarters of CMA CGM Group in Marseille, welcomed by Chairman and CEO Rodolphe Saadé. The high-level discussions centered on strengthening trade ties and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), a key initiative aimed at enhancing connectivity between India and Europe. As a major global player in maritime, land, and air logistics, CMA CGM is positioned to play a pivotal role in this corridor.
With over three decades of operations in India and a workforce of 17,000, CMA CGM connects the country through 19 weekly maritime services. The company has made significant investments in India’s port infrastructure, including key terminals at Nhava Sheva Freeport near Mumbai and Mundra Port, reinforcing its role in the country’s growing trade network.
CMA CGM’s Expanding Logistics and Sustainability Commitments
CEVA Logistics, a subsidiary of CMA CGM, has established an extensive presence across 31 Indian cities, operating 105 sites and managing nearly 900,000 square meters of warehouse space. The company further strengthened its footprint with the acquisition of Stellar VCS in 2023, bolstering its capabilities in contract logistics.
In alignment with its goal of achieving Net Zero Carbon by 2050, CMA CGM is actively accelerating decarbonization efforts in India. In December 2024, the company marked a milestone with the LNG-powered container vessel, CMA CGM FORT DIAMANT (7,300 TEUs), making its first call at Nhava Sheva Terminal. The company is also investing in innovative rail solutions to reduce carbon emissions by up to 67% compared to road transport.
CMA CGM’s Role in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor
IMEC is set to transform trade between India, the Middle East, and Europe through an integrated network of maritime and land infrastructure. The corridor will facilitate seamless transportation of goods, energy, and telecommunications, with a strategic subsea cable further enhancing connectivity. CMA CGM, with its modern fleet and strategic port hubs, is well-positioned to contribute to this ambitious project, ensuring operational efficiency through its extensive logistics expertise.
Dry ports along the IMEC rail route will further strengthen intermodal connections, leveraging CMA CGM’s capabilities in streamlining cargo movements from India through Saudi Arabia and the Mediterranean. By bridging maritime and rail transport, the corridor will significantly enhance trade efficiency and resilience across these regions.
CMA CGM Foundation: Humanitarian and Educational Commitments in India
The CMA CGM Foundation, led by Tanya Saadé Zeenny, has been dedicated to social responsibility for 20 years, with a strong focus on humanitarian aid and education. The Foundation has partnered with Child Rights and You (CRY) and Salaam Baalak Trust to develop and renovate nine educational centers, benefiting over 2,150 children annually. In 2025, three additional centers will be inaugurated in collaboration with CRY to further support access to quality education for underprivileged children.
During the COVID-19 crisis, the Foundation played a crucial role in providing emergency medical aid to India. In coordination with the French government, CMA CGM AIR CARGO transported critical medical supplies, including 28 ventilators, 200 electric syringe pumps, and oxygen production units. This initiative ensured long-term support for Indian hospitals, showcasing the company’s commitment to global humanitarian efforts.
With its expanding role in global trade, logistics, and sustainability, CMA CGM continues to be a key player in India’s economic exchanges and infrastructure development, reinforcing the country’s integration into international trade networks.
