Focus: How the Formation of I2U2 Can Counter the Chinese Expansion in the Middle East – Part Two
Through the formation of I2U2, India and the US want to counterweight the Chinese presence in West Asia.
In this episode, we will focus on various strategies created by India to counter the growing influence of China in the Middle East.
According to a report by NDTV, India’s plans to build massive connectivity with the Middle East will be focused on countering the Chinese influence in the region.
To that end, India’s National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval held a meeting with his UAE and USA counterparts. The meeting was also attended by Mohammed bin Salman, the Saudi Crown Prince.
According to reports, the leaders discussed building railroad connectivity to the Middle East via India.
The NDTV report mentions:
“The ambitious connectivity project aims to link the Middle East to India through roads, rails, and seaports. The idea emerged during meetings of the I2U2 group – which also includes Israel – over the last year.”
“The I2U2 group – a relatively new vehicle for US-India cooperation in the Middle East – was not envisioned as a China-focused entity, given the close commercial cooperation that both the UAE and Israel enjoy with China,” it further added.
As per the reports, Saudi Arabia is still to formalize its relationship with Israel, indicating that the latter will not be a formal part of the ambitious project. However, Israel’s inclusion in the I2U2 indicates, it will take on some responsibility in creating the railroad infrastructure.
After Israel was isolated from the rest of West Asia, the I2U2 initiative provided a platform through which it could engage in the region.
The railroad project is a significant move by India because it unites two of the largest democracies in the world to combat the Chinese threat in the Indo-Pacific region to the Middle East.
The project will also highlight India’s abilities as an infrastructure provider. The NDTV report mentions:
“The connectivity project aims to leverage India’s capacity as an infrastructure provider. Its track record includes the construction of the world’s largest rail system and contributions to cross-border electricity-sharing arrangements. Through the new initiative, Indian officials hope to develop a deeper infrastructure footprint in the Middle East to counter China’s BRI.”
In the next episode, we will look at some unique stories from the Middle East.
How the Formation of I2U2 Can Counter the Chinese Expansion in the Middle East.
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