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.