Focus: How the Formation of I2U2 Can Counter the Chinese Expansion in the Middle East – Part One
Through the formation of I2U2, India and the US want to counterweight the Chinese presence in West Asia.
What is I2U2?
The I2U2 initiative is a grouping of four nations, where I2 represents India and Israel, and U2 signifies the UAE and the USA. The group was initially formed in October 2021, after the Abraham Accords were signed. The Abraham Accords was signed between two Middle Eastern giants: Israel and the UAE.
The signing of the Abraham Accords meant normalization of the relationship between the two countries. Mediated by the USA, the Abraham Accords aim to establish relations between Israel and the Arab World for 26 years. The group was initially known as the International Forum for Economic Cooperation or simply, the West Asian Quad.
The new grouping of India, Israel, the USA, and the UAE is referred to as the I2U2. The grouping is all set to enhance the partnership between four powerful nations of the world, vital for peace and prosperity.
According to the joint statement issued after the virtual summit in July 2022, “This unique grouping of countries aims to harness the vibrancy of our societies and entrepreneurial spirit to tackle some of the greatest challenges confronting our world, with a particular focus on joint investments and new initiatives.”
The new combination of countries in the I2U2 promises to promote growth and development in various sectors such as food security, health, water, transportation, infrastructure, space, supply chain, and energy. The I2U2 is also crucial in countering China’s growing presence in the region.
An article published on Firstpost mentions the following:
“The connection initiative demonstrates how much India gains from the Abraham Accords, a deal made during the Trump administration that improved ties with Israel and some of its Arab neighbors. According to Foreign Policy, the agreement made it possible to form the I2U2 group, and discussions held there gave birth to the new effort.
The planned project sends a message that India and the US are prepared to extend their cooperation in opposing China outside of the Indo-Pacific region and into the Middle East.”
The I2U2 initiative offers a dynamic platform for India because it will allow New Delhi to engage West Asia Geopolitically. Not only will the initiative allow India to play the leadership role, but it will also amplify her chances of maintaining national interests and strategic autonomy.
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