[Answered] I2U2 summit can provide a foothold for India for a greater role in West Asia. Discuss.

I2U2 (India-Israel-UAE-USA) Grouping is aimed to encourage joint investments in six mutually identified areas such as Water, Energy, Transportation, Space, Health, Food security. It intends to mobilize private sector capital and expertise to help modernize the infrastructure, and low carbon development pathways for industries, improve public health and promote the development of critical emerging and green technologies.I2U2 (India-Israel-UAE-USA) Grouping is aimed to encourage joint investments in six mutually identified areas such as Water, Energy, Transportation, Space, Health, Food security. It intends to mobilize private sector capital and expertise to help modernize the infrastructure, and low carbon development pathways for industries, improve public health and promote the development of critical emerging and green technologies.

India has had individual bilateral relations with West Asian nations. This grouping is a first where relations with two West Asian nations are being merged. This summit can provide a foothold for India for a greater role in West Asia as:

• The platform is significant for attracting West Asian businesses and investors to India’s massive consumer market.
• This grouping will also help India strengthen its position in the West Asian geopolitics both strategically and economically.
• India can contribute significantly to peace and prosperity in the Middle East region.
• The Indian diaspora in West Asian nations will have a significant impact on the remittances and the I2U2 will help enhance the cooperation further.
• India will get advantage of the Abraham Accordsto deepen engagement with Israel without risking its ties with the UAE and the other Arab states.
• It will help India in building alliances- political alliances, social alliances.
• It indicates India’s new trends in itsMiddle East policy since 2014 because India is now ready to engage with those countries with which India had traditionally kept a safe political distance from in the Middle Eastern Region.

Way forward

• The I2U2 is a good opportunity to enhance cooperation in energy, security, food security, trade and commerce, maritime security, etc.
• Cooperation between the four countries is crucial. The US is an export hub while UAE is growing in the energy sector. Israel is way ahead in terms of defence research and technology, and India is one the fastest growing economies in the world.