Which Is Known as the West Asian Quad?

West Asia Quad: the I2U2 grouping isan evolving landscape of 21st-century geopolitics and one of the most significant of these emerging platforms is the I2U2, a strategic partnership between India, Israel, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the United States. It is often known as  the "West Asian Quad" or  "Middle East Quad", this grouping serves as a unique nexus of technological innovation, capital investment, and market potential, aimed at tackling global challenges through functional, economic cooperation.

Which is Known as the West Asian Quad?

In recent years the geopolitical landscape has shifted toward specialized, issue-based alliances. While the "Quad" in the Indo-Pacific focuses on maritime security, a new coalition has emerged in the Middle East to tackle pressing economic challenges. This is known as the I2U2 grouping generally recognized in diplomatic circles as the "West Asian Quad." 

I2U2 is a group of four highly innovative and strategically positioned nations such as India, Israel,United States and The United Arab Emirates (UAE), this alliance seeks to create a network of trade and technology that transcends traditional regional friction.

What is I2U2 Grouping?

The I2U2 is a multilateral initiative comprising four core nations: India, Israel, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the United States. The name is derived from the initials of the member countries: "I" for India and Israel, and "U" for the UAE and the US.

I2U2 is primarily a framework for economic cooperation unlike traditional security alliances. It leverages the unique strengths of each member like 

• India's massive market and labor pool

• Israel’s technological prowess

• the UAE’s investment capital and logistics

• the United States' geopolitical influence to execute joint infrastructure projects.

What is the Objective of I2U2?

The alliance functions as a "think-and-do" tank, focusing on tangible, ground-level outcomes. Its primary objectives include:

• Promoting Food Security by creating integrated "food corridors" that utilize Israeli irrigation technology and UAE capital to boost agricultural output in India for global export.

• Investing in hybrid renewable energy projects by Advancing Renewable Energy which  includes solar and wind, alongside exploring green hydrogen production.

• Enhancing Connectivity by Improving transportation logistics and physical infrastructure to better link South Asia with the Middle East and the Mediterranean.

• Promoting Technological Innovation and encouraging joint ventures in space exploration, health technology, and climate-resilient urban infrastructure

How did I2U2 formed and key factors behind formation?

The I2U2 was officially launched in July 2022 during a virtual summit, but its roots trace back to the changing dynamics of the Middle East.

• The Abraham Accords (2020) was the pivotal catalyst. The normalization of diplomatic relations between Israel and the UAE effectively removed the primary barrier to such a coalition, allowing these nations to collaborate openly.

• Post-Pandemic Realignment the global supply chain shocks of 2020–2021 pushed countries to seek resilient, regional partnerships rather than relying on distant or singular supply sources.

• The US aimed to maintain a presence in West Asia while pivoting toward the Indo-Pacific, and it found that its partners (India, Israel, and the UAE) were eager to bridge the gap between their economies.

What is the Significance of Grouping for India?

For India, the I2U2 is a milestone in its foreign policy, representing a shift from a "balancing" approach to one of "proactive engagement."

• To diversify partnerships by allowing India to deepen ties with the Middle East while simultaneously strengthening its strategic partnership with the US.

• The UAE’s commitment of $2 billion for food parks in India is a massive boost for the Indian agriculture sector, helping to modernize farming practices.

• Participation in the West Asian Quad signals that India is an indispensable partner in both the Indo-Pacific and the Middle East, cementing its status as a leading global power.

• Access to Technology through this grouping, India gains streamlined access to high-end Israeli technologies in water management and defense, which are critical for its domestic development goals.

Also Read: The International Climate Initiative (IKI)