I2U2 Summit

Subject: International Relations

Section: International Organization

Context:

I2U2 stands for India, Israel, the UAE, and the US, and was also referred to as the ‘West Asian Quad’ by Ahmed Albanna, Ambassador of the UAE to India.
It was given the name International Forum for Economic Cooperation.

Aim of I2U2

Its stated aim is to discuss “common areas of mutual interest, to strengthen the economic partnership in trade and investment in our respective regions and beyond”.
Six areas of cooperation have been identified by the countries mutually, and the aim is to encourage joint investments in water, energy, transportation, space, health, and food security.
The four-nation framework would foster support and cooperation in various domains like infrastructure, technology and maritime security.
The grouping also points to India’s growing engagement with countries in West Asia including Israel, with whom India has developed closer ties.

Background

The Abraham Accords of 2020 had led to Israel formally normalizing diplomatic ties with the UAE and Bahrain, marking an important shift in the stance of West Asian countries on Israel.
I2U2 was initially formed in October, 2021 following the Abraham Accords, to deal with issues concerning maritime security, infrastructure and transport.