Sansad TV: Perspective- I2U2 Summit: Vision & Outcome | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Introduction

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently joined U.S. President Joe Biden, Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid, and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for the inaugural virtual summit of the 'I2U2' coalition. This coalition represents India, Israel, the UAE, and the US. The idea behind 'I2U2' emerged during a meeting between the Foreign Ministers of these four countries back in October 2021. The goal of this coalition is to enhance cooperation and economic partnerships among its members. They've agreed to collaborate on joint investments in six key areas: water, energy, transportation, space, health, and food security.
During the first summit, Prime Minister Modi remarked that 'I2U2' holds a positive agenda and its structure serves as a practical model for cooperation in the face of global uncertainties. He emphasized that by leveraging their strengths in terms of capital, expertise, and markets, the four countries can not only advance their own objectives but also make significant contributions to the global economy.

'I2U2' or the 'West Asian Quad'

The term 'I2U2' stands for India, Israel, the UAE, and the US. It's also referred to as the 'West Asian Quad'. Initially proposed as the "International Forum for Economic Cooperation" during a meeting of the foreign ministers from these nations in October 2021. Its primary aim is to discuss shared interests, strengthen economic partnerships, and promote trade and investment in their respective regions and beyond. The coalition intends to collaborate on investments in six key areas: water, energy, transportation, space, health, and food security. The focus is on engaging private sector capital and expertise to modernize infrastructure, support low-carbon development, improve public health, and advance emerging and green technologies. The goal is to formalize and enhance existing strategic cooperation among these countries, facilitating more effective economic security for both regions.

The 'West Asian Quad' in Perspective

Drawing parallels with the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) involving Australia, India, Japan, and the US, the newly formed 'I2U2' aims to boost efforts to counter Chinese influence in Asia and the Middle East. However, these comparisons are questionable given the differing foreign policy approaches, especially concerning Russia. Unlike the US, Israel, India, and the UAE have not imposed sanctions on Russia. Moreover, while the Indo-Pacific Quad emphasizes defense and security, the West Asian Quad seems more focused on economic collaboration rather than security cooperation.

Benefits for India

The inaugural 'I2U2' Summit holds immense potential for India's role as a "game changer". The United States and India both have roles in deepening Israel's integration into the region. With India being a significant market and producer of sought-after goods, the four nations can collaborate on various fronts, including technology, trade, climate, and managing the Covid-19 situation. India's strong relations, cultural ties, and economic links with the region position it as a natural partner for the US in strengthening alliances in the area. India's presence in the region, marked by energy imports and goods supply, particularly its IT sector, contributes to the UAE's diversification and modernization efforts. Furthermore, the flourishing Indo-Israeli relations, especially in defense, underscore the growing strategic alignment between the two countries.
India's significance within the coalition necessitates a discussion about the benefits it stands to gain from this newly formed alliance.

In Conclusion

The 'I2U2' coalition holds significant promise both theoretically and practically. India's favorable relations with Israel, the Gulf, and the US provide a foundation for building mutually advantageous economic exchanges with minimal downsides. However, it's important to recognize that geoeconomics and economic connections are intertwined with geopolitics. Despite the Abraham Accords, the geopolitics of the Middle East remains uncertain, with the Iran situation potentially complicating matters. Since the start of the millennium, India's relationship with Gulf countries has transformed remarkably due to its diaspora presence and its proactive "Look West" policy. As a result, New Delhi has established a strong strategic rapport with the region.