I2U2 Initiative

Facts for Prelims

I2U2 Initiative

News: As part of I2U2 initiatives, India, Israel, UAE, and the US will hold its first virtual summit in July 2022.

About:
 I2U2 initiative is a new grouping of India, Israel, USA and UAE.
 In the grouping’s name, ‘I2’ stands for India and Israel, whereas ‘U2’ stands for USA and the UAE.
 This is a great achievement which tells the geopolitical changes that happen in the region.
 This will not only revitalize and re-energize the system of alliances and partnerships around the world, but also stitch together partnerships that did not exist previously or were not utilized to their full extent.

Background:
 I2U2 was initially formed in October, 2021 following the Abraham Accords between Israel and the UAE, to deal with issues concerning maritime security, infrastructure and transport in the region.
 Back then it was called ‘International Forum for Economic Cooperation. More commonly referred to as the ‘West Asian Quad’.

Potential benefits for India:
 India will get advantage of the Abraham Accords to deepen engagement with Israel without risking its ties with the UAE and the other Arab states.
 India is a massive consumer market. It’s a massive producer of high-tech and highly sought-after goods as well. India will benefit from this grouping.