I2U2 Initiative

• 17 Jun 2022

For Prelims: I2U2 initiative, Abraham Accords, QUAD

For Mains: Groupings and Agreements including India and affecting India’s interest

Why in News?

As part of I2U2 initiatives, India, Israel, UAE, and the US will hold its first virtual summit in July 2022.

What is I2U2 Initiative?

• Background:
  • I2U2 was initially formed in October, 2021 following the Abraham Accords between Israel and the UAE, to deal with issues concerning maritime security, infrastructure and transport in the region.
    • At that time, it was called the ‘International Forum for Economic Cooperation’.
    • That was referred as the ‘West Asian Quad’.
• About:
  • I2U2 initiative is a new grouping of India, Israel, USA and UAE.
  • In the grouping’s name, ‘I2’ stands for India and Israel, whereas ‘U2’ stands for USA and the UAE.
  • This is a great achievement which tells the geopolitical changes that happen in the region.
  • This will not only revitalize and re-energize the system of alliances and partnerships around the world, but also stitch together partnerships that did not exist previously or were not utilized to their full extent.
• Significance:
  • Security Cooperation:
    • This will help the countries in exploring security cooperation among the four nations within the framework of these new groupings.
  • Technological Hubs:
    • Each of these countries is a technological hub.
      • Biotechnology, of course, is prominent in each of these countries as well.
  • Food Security:
    • This initiative offers an opportunity to discuss food security.
  • Work Together in Different Fields:
    • These countries could cooperate on a number of levels, whether it's technologies, trade, climate, fighting against Covid-19, or even security.

What will be the Significance of I2U2 for India?

• Advantage from Abraham Accords:
  • India will get advantage of the Abraham Accords to deepen engagement with Israel without risking its ties with the UAE and the other Arab states.
• Benefit Market:
  • India is a massive consumer market. It’s a massive producer of high-tech and highly sought-after goods as well. India will benefit from this grouping.
• Alliances:
  • It will help India in building alliances — political alliances, social alliances.

Source: IE