India, Israel, US, UAE are I2U2, summit next month
- The US PRESIDENT will host a virtual summit with the PM of India and Israel and President of UAE during his visit to West Asia from July 13 to 16.
Middle East Quad/West Asian Quad
- The US administration said the new grouping will be called "I2U2" – "I" for India and Israel and "U" for the US and UAE.
- In October 2021, a meeting of the foreign ministers of the four countries took place when External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar was visiting Israel.
- At that time, it was called the 'International Forum for Economic Cooperation'.
- This time, the meeting will take place at the level of heads of government/state - an upgrade.
- The US will also focus on Israel's increasing integration into the region,
- Through the Abraham Accords with UAE, Morocco and Bahrain.
- Through deepening ties between Israel, Jordan and Egypt.
- Through an entirely new grouping of partners including Israel, India, UAE and the United States(I2U2).
Area of Discussion
- Food security crisis and other areas of cooperation.
- Role of UAE and Israel as important innovation hubs.
- Issues concerning maritime security.
- Infrastructure, digital infrastructure and transport.
Other similar initiatives by the US
- Quad (India, US, Japan and Australia)
- AUKUS (Australia, UK and US) and
- Quadrilateral dialogue with Afghanistan, Pakistan and Uzbekistan.
Prelims Takeaway
- West Asian Quad
- Quad
- AUKUS
- Abraham Accords