I2U2

Published on 07 Jan 2025

I2U2 (India, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States), established in October 2021 after the Abraham Accords cemented the relationship between Israel and the UAE, was originally named the 'International Forum for Economic Cooperation.' This forum, commonly known as the 'West Asian Quad,' was created to address challenges related to maritime security, infrastructure, and transportation in the region.

Significance of I2U2 

• Political

• Security Cooperation: I2U2 presents an opportunity for the member nations to explore enhanced security cooperation within the framework of this new alliance.

• Example: I2U2 can facilitate joint naval exercises and intelligence-sharing initiatives.

• Diplomatic Acceleration: I2U2 accelerates, deepens, and guarantees the normalization of relations between India, Israel, and the UAE. 

• Example: High-level visits, cultural exchanges, and the signing of bilateral agreements.

• Economic

• Technological Hubs: Each member country is recognized as a technological hub, allowing collaborative advancements in technology.

• Example: Aims to encourage joint investments in six mutually identified areas such as water, energy, transportation, space, health, and food security.

• Food Security: The initiative opens avenues for discussions on food security, allowing member nations, including India, to collectively address challenges and explore solutions.

• Multifaceted Collaboration: The collaboration among these nations spans various domains, such as technology, trade, climate initiatives, combating the COVID-19 pandemic, and security measures.

• Example: All the members are part of the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate initiative (AIM for Climate)

• Significance for India:

• Dehyphenation of foreign policy: India can deepen engagement with Israel through Abraham Accords without risking its ties with the UAE and the other Arab states.

• Economic Advancements: The alliance serves as a catalyst for sustained capital mobilization from the UAE, supported by cutting-edge Israeli and American technologies, 

• Example: Initial commitments of a $2 billion investment for agricultural initiatives in Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. 

• Agriculture: The alliance's focus is on technological assistance for agricultural initiatives.

• Example: Technological support in specific Indian states, such as Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh for efficient farming methods.

• Sustainable Energy Development: The support for Renewable energy projects aligns with global environmental goals.

• Example: I2U2's endorsement of a hybrid renewable energy project in Gujarat.

• Regional Recognition: Affirms India's regional importance, with the U.S. and West Asian nations acknowledging its role in addressing local issues.

• Strategic Alignment: Aligns with India's goal to counter Chinese influence in the West Asian region, showcasing shared objectives.

Challenges of I2U2

• Strategic: Joining I2U2 poses a challenge for India in maintaining a non-aligned stance.

• Example: Balancing interest in SCO, SAARC  

• Bilateral relations: Groupings like I2U2 may strain India's traditionally close relations, leading to potential degradation of diplomatic ties with these key nations.

• Example: India’s relations with Russia and China

• Acknowledgment of USA Hegemony: Inclusion of the USA in I2U2 signifies other members recognition of American influence in West Asian affairs.

• Impact on Geopolitics: Reluctance of other regional states to establish friendly relations with Israel could limit the overall impact of I2U2 on West Asian geopolitics.

Example: Israel-Palestine conflict can affect states' attractiveness to I2U2 members.

• Formation of New Axes: The alliance may contribute to new regional polarization,

• Example: Potential division of states into opposing axes, with China, Pakistan, Russia, Iran, and Turkey on one side and India, Israel, USA, and UAE on the other.

• China's Growing Influence: India must closely monitor China's increasing presence in the region, particularly in strategic locations.

Example: China has significantly expanded Israel's Haifa port through a substantial investment surpassing one and a half billion dollars.

Way Forward

• Strategic Focus on Global Economy: The group should be cautious about avoiding entanglement in geopolitical issues that could divert attention from its primary objective.

• Potential for Future Expansion: Future expansion possibilities, whether through advancing cooperation in new sectors or engaging with additional partners in the Middle East and South Asia should be gauged.

• Capitalizing on the I2U2 Opportunity: The I2U2 alliance presents a mutually beneficial proposition for all involved nations, requiring India to take a proactive stance in West Asian cooperation.

• Navigating West Asian Complications: The complexities of West Asia pose challenges, demanding a delicate balance in diplomatic and strategic relations among rival nations.

Vast capabilities from the U.S., massive human resources from India, cutting-edge technology from Israel, and innovative policies attracting investments in the UAE - together, I2U2 forms a potent alliance, showcasing how their combined efforts create a powerful force for mutual benefit.

Tags:
Polity

Keywords:
I2U2 India Israel the United Arab Emirates United States USA International Forum for Economic Cooperation West Asian Quad multilateral organisation security technology

Syllabus:
General Studies Paper 2

Topics:
Bilateral and Multilateral Relations