The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia recently held a remarkable meeting of National Security Advisers (NSAs) from India, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This gathering has sparked attention due to its potential implications for strengthening diplomatic ties, developing infrastructure, and enhancing stability in the region.
Reinforcing Relations: The NSA Meeting Highlights
The primary motive of this special meeting was to fortify alliances between the participating nations to foster progress and maintain tranquility in the broader area. A major focus was placed on discussing regional infrastructure initiatives, aiming to establish a shared vision of a more secure and prosperous Middle East that is interconnected with India and the rest of the world.
Among the discussed projects, one highlight was a scheme to link the Gulf countries via a railway network and further connect to India through shipping lanes from two ports in the region. This proposition serves as a potential counter to China’s Belt and Road Initiative and its other incursions into the area.
The idea for this initiative emerged from discussions held by the I2U2 over the past 18 months. The I2U2 Quad, an emerging cooperative entity, aims to connect South Asia to the Middle East and the United States to promote economic technology and diplomacy.
The Genesis and Goals of the I2U2 Quad
The I2U2 is a new alliance formed by India, Israel, the UAE, and the US, also known as the West Asian Quad. This organization primarily aims to broaden economic and political cooperation across the Middle East and Asia. Additionally, it seeks to foster support and collaboration in areas such as infrastructure, technology, and maritime security.
The inception of the I2U2 occurred in October 2021, following the signing of the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab Gulf countries. The first I2U2 summit was a virtual event that took place on July 14, 2022, which centered largely on addressing the global food and energy crisis arising from the conflict in Ukraine.
I2U2’s Significance to India
Through the Abraham Accords, India can deepen its engagement with Israel without jeopardizing its relations with the UAE and other Arab states.
India’s participation in the I2U2 grouping could also prove beneficial given India’s status as a large consumer market and a massive producer of high-tech and highly sought-after goods. This alliance could further support India in forming political and social alliances, thereby enhancing its position in global politics.