The first virtual I2U2 summit began with leaders participating from India, the US, Israel, and the UAE. The leaders emphasized clean energy and food security among other agendas. Here’s everything you need to know.
What is the I2U2 Summit all about?
I2U2, standing for India, Israel, the US, and UAE is the grouping of four nations establishing a “positive agenda”. In the four-way call in Jerusalem with the Indian and UAE counterparts, President Biden and Israel’s prime minister, Yair Lapid gave a fledgling initiative additionally momentum. The initiative is a companion project to the Quad.
The Quad alliance is a four-way partnership bringing Japan, India, Australia, and the US together. According to Jake Sullivan, the group has the potential of becoming “a feature of the broader region, just as the Quad has become a central pillar of the Indo-Pacific strategy of the United States”. Sullivan is the US National Security Adviser. he accompanied President Biden to the summit.
“It feels like the Biden administration is trying to integrate two separate strategic contexts. It’s looking to close ranks among the U.S.’ partners in different regions,” stated Dr. Kevjn Lim. Dr. Lim is the author of a recent paper on Israel’s relationship with Iran and China.
Analysts believe the I2U2 is bolstering the USA’s effort of containing China’s influence in the Asian and Middle Eastern regions. It promises better ties between allies in various parts of the world. Additionally, they also reassure Middle Eastern leaders of the US commitment to the region. According to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, “its framework is a good model for practical cooperation in the face of increasing global uncertainties”.
Leaders agreed on jointly investing in sectors related to food, energy, and health. In his opening address, Modi stated that the I2U2 summit “identified joint projects in many areas, and also made a roadmap to move forward in them”. “We have agreed to increase joint investment in six critical areas of water, energy, transportation, space, health, and food security under the I2U2 framework. The vision and agenda of I2U2 are progressive and practical. By mobilizing the mutual strengths of our countries – capital, expertise, and markets – we can accelerate our agenda, and contribute significantly to the global economy,” he added.
Key emphasis: Clean energy and food security
The UAE is investing $2 billion in developing a series of integrated food parks across India under the I2U2.
“India will provide appropriate land for the project and will facilitate farmers’ integration into the food parks. The US and Israeli private sectors will be invited to lend their expertise and offer innovative solutions that contribute to the overall sustainability of the project,” revealed the joint statement. This investment will help in maximizing crop yields. Hence ultimately aid in tackling food security challenges in the Middle Eastern and South Asian regions.
Additionally, the statement also provided information on the focus on clean, renewable energy. The group will invest in a renewable energy project in Gujarat for 300 megawatts of solar and wind capacity. The leaders also expressed their aim to leverage established markets for building a more inclusive, innovative, and science-based solution. “these are only the first steps in a long-term strategic partnership to promote initiatives and investments that improve the movement of people and goods across hemispheres, and increase sustainability and resilience through collaborative science and technology partnerships”,” it added.
