I2U2 Grouping

I2U2 is a four-country grouping comprising India, Israel, the United Arab Emirates and the United States. It is an issue-based minilateral platform that combines government coordination, private investment and technological expertise to address shared economic and developmental challenges.

Composition and evolution

The name represents the two members beginning with “I”, India and Israel, and the two beginning with “U”, the United Arab Emirates and United States. Their foreign ministers began consultations in October 2021, and the first leaders’ summit was held virtually in July 2022.

Areas of cooperation

I2U2 seeks practical, project-oriented cooperation by mobilising private-sector capital and expertise. Its founding agenda identified water, energy, transportation, space, health and food security as priority sectors.

• It promotes investment in infrastructure, physical connectivity and sustainable development.
• It supports low-carbon pathways, waste treatment and the development of critical, emerging and green technologies.
• It seeks to connect start-ups with investment opportunities and strengthen long-term food and energy security.
• Its declared agenda is primarily economic and developmental, rather than a collective-defence arrangement.

Strategic significance for India

I2U2 enables India to pursue issue-based cooperation in West Asia with Israel, a major Arab partner and the United States simultaneously. It can attract investment and technology for Indian development priorities while strengthening India’s role as a constructive partner in regional food, energy and connectivity initiatives.

• The grouping demonstrates India’s preference for flexible partnerships based on specific interests rather than rigid alliance commitments.
• It links India’s technological and human-resource capabilities with Israeli innovation, Emirati capital and American investment and expertise.