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.
At that time, it was called the ‘International Forum for Economic Cooperation’.
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.
Objectives of the I2U2
I2U2 aims to re-energise and revitalise American partnerships across the world.
The grouping aims to strengthen the ties and discuss food security, maritime and other areas of cooperation among these four nations.
Deepening trade and economic ties between Israel and the UAE along with working on biotechnology is one of the objectives.
India, Israel and the UAE are technological hubs and there are many areas where these countries can work together such as technology, trade, climate, COVID-19 and security as well.
I2U2 tries to explore security cooperation among the four nations within the framework of the new grouping.
Significance of the I2U2
Security Cooperation:
This will help the countries in exploring security cooperation among the four nations within the framework of these new groupings.
Technological Hubs:
Each of these countries is a technological hub.
Biotechnology, of course, is prominent in each of these countries as well.
Food Security:
This initiative offers an opportunity to discuss food security.
Work Together in Different Fields:
These countries could cooperate on a number of levels, whether it’s technologies, trade, climate, fighting against Covid-19, or even security.
Significance of I2U2 for India
Advantage from Abraham Accords:
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.
Benefit Market:
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.
Alliances:
It will help India in building alliances — political alliances, social alliances.
Highlights of the first summit of the I2U2
The goal of the Summit
The conference aimed to encourage cooperation investments in six mutually identified areas such as water, energy, transportation, space, health, and food security.
The Grouping intends to mobilize capital and skill to help modernize the infrastructure, our industries’ low-carbon development routes, the public’s health, and the advancement of vital emerging and green technologies.
The meeting focused on the food security crisis and clean energy
The leaders discussed innovative ways to ensure longer-term, more diversified food production and food delivery systems that can better manage global food shocks.
Summit included the topics- of sustainable energy and the challenge of food security
The leaders talked about creative strategies for long-term, more diversified food production and food delivery networks that are better able to handle global food shocks.
Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate” (AIM for Climate):
It is a joint initiative of the USA and UAE launched on the eve of CoP26 in November 2021.
By bringing participants together to dramatically expand investment in climate-smart agricultural and food system innovation over five years, it aims to address both global hunger and climate change (2021 – 2025).
Initiatives announced in the summit
Food Security
For the purpose of creating a number of Integrated Food Parks around India, the UAE will invest $2 billion USD.
India will provide the project with the necessary acreage and would make it easier for farmers to participate in the food parks.
Private businesses from the USA and Israel will be requested to contribute their knowledge and provide creative ideas that improve the project’s overall sustainability.
Modern climate-smart technologies will be used in these parks to decrease food waste and spoilage, conserve fresh water, and use renewable energy sources.
By increasing crop yields, these investments will aid in reducing food insecurity in South Asia and the Middle East.
Clean Energy
In Gujarat State, India, the I2U2 Group will progress a hybrid renewable energy project.
The project includes a battery energy storage technology in addition to 300 MW of wind and solar power.
The $330 million USD project’s feasibility study was supported by the U.S. Trade and Development Agency.
