I2U2 Grouping

In News

• Recently, India and the UAE held talks on food security cooperation under the I2U2.

About I2U2

• I2U2 stands for:
  • India
  • Israel
  • UAE
  • USA
• It is also referred to as the ‘West Asian Quad’.
• Aim of I2U2 grouping:
  • Its stated aim is to discuss common areas of mutual interest, to strengthen the economic partnership in trade and investment in respective regions and beyond.
  • Six areas of cooperation have been identified by the countries mutually:
    • Water
    • Energy
    • Transportation
    • Space
    • Health
    • Food security

Significance

• The countries will look to modernise infrastructure, explore low carbon development avenues for industries, improve public health, and promote the development of critical emerging and green technologies. 
• It empowers partners and encourages them to work more closely together, which will lead to a more stable region. 
• The US regards India as a big consumer market as well as a massive producer of high-tech and highly sought-after goods. 

Criticisms

• The formation of this group is criticised for having the USA’s hidden agenda to “contain” Iran in the geopolitics of West Asia.
• India never ever got entangled in the intra-regional issues in West Asia and critics want India to refrain from being part of this alliance. 

Source: TH