I2U2

• Recently, Saudi Arabia hosted a special meeting of the National Security Advisers (NSAs) of India, the US, and the UAE.
• The meeting focused on regional initiatives on infrastructure.
• A plan to connect Gulf countries via a railway network and connect to India via shipping lanes from “two ports” in the region is highlighted.
  • The idea for the initiative came up during talks held over the past 18 months by the I2U2.

About I2U2

• I2U2 is a new grouping formed by India, Israel, the UAE, and the US, also referred to as the West Asian Quad.
• The I2U2 Quad, works on connecting “South Asia to the Middle East to the United States in ways that advance economic technology and diplomacy”.
• Aim:
  • Expanding economic and political cooperation in the Middle East and Asia.
  • To foster support and cooperation in infrastructure, technology and maritime security.
• I2U2 was initially formed in October 2021 following the Abraham Accords.
  • Abraham Accords normalized relations between Israel and a number of Arab Gulf countries.
• The first virtual summit of I2U2 took place in 2022.
  • The summit focused heavily on the global food and energy crisis resulting from the conflict in Ukraine.