National Security Advisor, Jack Sullivan has remarked that I2U2 may become the “central pillar” of the Middle East. It is important because I2U2 grouping will bring the United States, India, Israel and Saudi Arabia together. Quad is a group of India, USA, Japan and Australia that works in the Indo-Pacific region.
Sullivan also pointed out that the US has a shift in its vision and thinking. The region has been dominated by wars and tensions since the past two decades but Biden envisions a more globally integrated geography.
More About I2U2:
I2U2 comprising the United States of America, India, Israel and Saudi Arabia is set to work in the Middle East. The four countries have a vision to work collaboratively on agricultural technology. This will lead to increased food production that will foster the food security of the region. I2U2 is said to be the Western Asia grouping of Quad.
The leaders of the four countries will meet for the first leader-level I2U2 summit. President Joe Biden, Israel’s PM Yair Lapid, UAE president Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet on Thursday. This trip is important for Biden because it will be Biden’s first trip to the region as a president.
India’s Role:
Sullivan has accentured the role of New Delhi in both of the mechanisms. The USA considers India to be “one of the largest, most significant, most strategically consequential” countries in the Indo-Pacific. India is also vital because India has good bilateral relations with the countries in the Middle East. India has been heralded to help Israel deepen its roots in the region.
In the ongoing first meeting, a mega agricultural park worth U.S.$ 2 billion will be announced. It will be constructed in India. Food crisis in the world due to the ongoing Ukraine-Russia crisis will also become a part of the discussion.
I2U2 is a quintessential grouping for the Middle East because this will bring forth the unique capacities and technologies of the four countries in areas of mutual interest.
