I2U2

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.

Challenges

• Iran could prove to be a challenge in functioning of the I2U2.
• Israel considers Iran a security threat even as the western countries are attempting to salvage the nuclear deal.

I2U2 and India’s position in Global Politics

• India’s participation in this grouping is an outcome of resetting its own ties with the West Asian region.
• Shift in India’s policy towards West Asia is evident from the fact that India has strategic cooperation with Israel as well as Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
• India’s myopic view of West Asia prevented greater engagements and involvement in the region.
• However, with realpolitik prevailing in India’s policy formulation, India would look forward to a greater role in the strategic and economic landscape of West Asia. The I2U2 could just be the boost to India’s future aspirations in the region.
• The newly formed I2U2 intends to focus on economic, technological and infrastructural cooperation; the members would do well to work around their different approaches towards Iran.
• I2U2 can help in addressing the food and fuel crisis in the world.
• The UAE is taking steps towards improving ties with Iran. India is not the only country that enjoys cordial relations with Iran. India has deep economic and strategic engagements with Iran.
• With Chabahar Port under development and INSTC under trial run, India could prove to be a vital link between Iran and its adversaries.
• India's participation in the I2U2 grouping is a continuation of its ‘Look West’ policy.
• The I2U2 provides an additional avenue for India to expand its multilateral engagements but it also offers an opportunity for India to play a prominent role in the geopolitics of West Asia.

The I2U2, both on paper and in practice, makes a lot of sense. For India, it leverages its good relations with Israel, the Gulf, and the US alike to build economic exchanges that are mutually beneficial with next to no downsides on the horizon.