New Quad

New Quad

News: Recently, the Foreign Ministers of India, the US, Israel and the UAE concluded a virtual meeting. The meeting is a strong manifestation of the changes in West Asian geopolitics and formation of another Quad like grouping in the Middle East.India’s involvement in this new grouping reflects a shift in its foregin policy.

Background:
• The new grouping is possible after the resumption of formal diplomatic relations between Israel and the UAE, through the Abraham Accord.
• The new Quad can be termed as a result of converging interests between India, the UAE, and Israel amidst Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s assertive claims for the leadership of the Islamic world.
• The US is clearly seeking to lessen its footprint in the Middle East as part of its pivot to East Asia to tackle China’s rise, which is redrawing West Asia’s traditional equations.
• In order to contain rising China’s assertiveness, the US under its ‘pivot to Asia policy’ has launched Quad initiative, Indo pacific narrative.

Significance for India:
• The four-nation meeting suggests India is now ready to move from bilateral relations conducted in separate silos towards an integrated regional policy.
• Much in the manner that the “Indo-Pacific” has transformed the way India thinks about the east, the notion of a “Greater Middle East” can provide a huge fillip to India’s engagement with the extended neighbourhood to the west.
• Further, the new grouping is also driven by Pakistan’s growing alignment with Turkey and its alienation from its traditionally strong supporters in the Arab Gulf - the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
• Over the years, India has built vibrant bilateral ties with all the countries in the new grouping.
• It is a member of the Quad with the US, Australia and Japan, which have common concerns and shared interests in East Asia.Israel is one of India’s top defence suppliers.The UAE is vital for India’s energy security and hosts millions of Indian workers.