The I2U2 grouping has announced a new joint space venture on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

<h2>Details of the space venture</h2>

As per a statement put out by the I2U2 group, "primarily using the space-based observation data and capabilities of the four I2U2 partner countries," this venture "aims to create a unique space-based tool for policymakers, institutions, and entrepreneurs, enabling their work on environmental and climate change challenges and furthering our cooperation in the applications of space data for the greater good of humanity."

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No other details were revealed by the group at the time of this report.

<h3>What is the I2U2 grouping?</h3>

The grouping consists of four nations: India, Israel, the United Arab Emirates and the United States.

It was initially formed in October 2021, during a ministerial call that was hosted by US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken. The grouping, as per the US Department, the group held its first virtual meeting in July of last year.

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I2U2 grouping "aims to promote high-quality sustainable investment among partner countries by combining our respective innovative, technological, and productive capacities, skilled workforces, and entrepreneurial dynamism, and advancing the strategic convergence of our nations."

"We will harness the entrepreneurial spirit to tackle common challenges, with a particular focus on joint investments and new initiatives in six areas: water, energy, transportation, space, health, and food security," states the grouping.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The I2U2 grouping has announced a new joint space venture on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Details of the space venture As per a statement put out by the I2U2 group, "primarily using the space-based observation data and capabilities of the four I2U2 partner countries," this venture "aims to create a unique space-based tool for policymakers, institutions, and entrepreneurs, enabling their work on environmental and climate change challenges and furthering our cooperation in the applications of space data for the greater good of humanity.

The I2U2 grouping has announced a new joint space venture on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Details of the space venture As per a statement put out by the I2U2 group, "primarily using the space-based observation data and capabilities of the four I2U2 partner countries," this venture "aims to create a unique space-based tool for policymakers, institutions, and entrepreneurs, enabling their work on environmental and climate change challenges and furthering our cooperation in the applications of space data for the greater good of humanity." Also read | US Federal Aviation Administration proposes revolutionary way to limit human litter in Earth's orbit No other details were revealed by the group at the time of this report. What is the I2U2 grouping? The grouping consists of four nations: India, Israel, the United Arab Emirates and the United States. It was initially formed in October 2021, during a ministerial call that was hosted by US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken. The grouping, as per the US Department, the group held its first virtual meeting in July of last year. Also read | At least 20 per cent adults in all US states are obese, shows new survey I2U2 grouping "aims to promote high-quality sustainable investment among partner countries by combining our respective innovative, technological, and productive capacities, skilled workforces, and entrepreneurial dynamism, and advancing the strategic convergence of our nations." "We will harness the entrepreneurial spirit to tackle common challenges, with a particular focus on joint investments and new initiatives in six areas: water, energy, transportation, space, health, and food security," states the grouping. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

I2U2 announces joint space venture that'll work for 'greater good of humanity'

If reports are to be believed, the&nbsp;USA, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and India may soon develop a&nbsp; joint infrastructure that connects Gulf and Arab countries via a railway network and also extends to India via shipping lanes.&nbsp;

The proposal for the infrastructure could be discussed on Sunday as the&nbsp;national security advisers (NSAs) of these&nbsp;countries meet in Saudi Arabia, according to a report by Axios.&nbsp;

"The initiative would include connecting Arab countries in the Levant and the Gulf via a network of railways that will also connect to India through seaports in the Gulf," the publication noted.&nbsp;

US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan has reportedly planned the meeting of&nbsp;Saudi-UAE-India NSAs and is expected to push forward the idea.&nbsp;

Notably, the seeds of such a joint infrastructure programme were first laid out over 18 months ago in another forum called I2U2 which comprises the likes of the India, Israel, US and UAE. The forum established in late 2021 discussed strategic infrastructure projects in the Middle East.&nbsp;

Sullivan hinted at picking up from where the discussion was left, during his speech earlier this week at the&nbsp;Washington Institute for Near East Policy.

“If you remember nothing else from my speech, remember I2U2, because you will be hearing more about it as we go forward," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/i2u2-virtual-summit-during-bidens-west-asia-trip-496822">WATCH | I2U2 virtual summit during Biden's West Asia trip</a>

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<h2>India to be the glue?</h2>

According to experts, India can be the glue which binds the grouping. New Delhi has steady ties with Washington and the latter sees it as a natural ally to counter the threat of China on the global map. The Middle East is a key part of China's Belt and Road vision and the US believes that the joint initiative is the best way to counter Beijing.&nbsp;

As for Saudi Arabia and the UAE, India is a significant energy consumer from the region. Prior to pivoting towards Russia in the aftermath of the Ukraine invasion, India was heavily dependent on the region for its energy needs.

According to industry data,&nbsp;OPEC's (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries)&nbsp;share in India's oil imports fell to an all-time low of 46 per cent in April as purchase&nbsp;of cheaper Russian oil peaked.&nbsp;

OPEC made up for as much as 90 per cent of all crude oil India imported at one point in time but this has been sliding since Russian oil became available at a discount.&nbsp;

However, despite the change, India remains a significant exporter of consumer goods and labour to West Asia. Not to forget, New Delhi enjoys friendly relations with both countries.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/analysis-what-netanyahus-comeback-in-israel-means-for-india-531268">ALSO READ |&nbsp;Netanyahu re-election: How Modi-Bibi at helm create 'certain magic' in India-Israel ties</a>

Though Israel is not part of the new grouping,&nbsp;it could be added in the future given the normalisation of ties due to the signing of the Abraham Accords.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

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If reports are to be believed, the USA, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and India may soon develop a joint infrastructure that connects Gulf and Arab countries via a railway network and also extends to India via shipping lanes.

If reports are to be believed, the USA, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and India may soon develop a joint infrastructure that connects Gulf and Arab countries via a railway network and also extends to India via shipping lanes. The proposal for the infrastructure could be discussed on Sunday as the national security advisers (NSAs) of these countries meet in Saudi Arabia, according to a report by Axios. "The initiative would include connecting Arab countries in the Levant and the Gulf via a network of railways that will also connect to India through seaports in the Gulf," the publication noted. US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan has reportedly planned the meeting of Saudi-UAE-India NSAs and is expected to push forward the idea. Notably, the seeds of such a joint infrastructure programme were first laid out over 18 months ago in another forum called I2U2 which comprises the likes of the India, Israel, US and UAE. The forum established in late 2021 discussed strategic infrastructure projects in the Middle East. Sullivan hinted at picking up from where the discussion was left, during his speech earlier this week at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. “If you remember nothing else from my speech, remember I2U2, because you will be hearing more about it as we go forward," he said. WATCH | I2U2 virtual summit during Biden's West Asia trip × India to be the glue? According to experts, India can be the glue which binds the grouping. New Delhi has steady ties with Washington and the latter sees it as a natural ally to counter the threat of China on the global map. The Middle East is a key part of China's Belt and Road vision and the US believes that the joint initiative is the best way to counter Beijing. As for Saudi Arabia and the UAE, India is a significant energy consumer from the region. Prior to pivoting towards Russia in the aftermath of the Ukraine invasion, India was heavily dependent on the region for its energy needs. According to industry data, OPEC's (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) share in India's oil imports fell to an all-time low of 46 per cent in April as purchase of cheaper Russian oil peaked. OPEC made up for as much as 90 per cent of all crude oil India imported at one point in time but this has been sliding since Russian oil became available at a discount. However, despite the change, India remains a significant exporter of consumer goods and labour to West Asia. Not to forget, New Delhi enjoys friendly relations with both countries. ALSO READ | Netanyahu re-election: How Modi-Bibi at helm create 'certain magic' in India-Israel ties Though Israel is not part of the new grouping, it could be added in the future given the normalisation of ties due to the signing of the Abraham Accords. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

India, US, Saudi Arabia and UAE to develop joint railway infrastructure: Report

On July 14, 2022, the heads of government of India, Israel, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the United States of America met at the first leader’s summit of the I2U2 group.

On July 14, 2022, the heads of government of India, Israel, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the United States of America met at the first leader’s summit of the I2U2 group. The grouping emerged from the 2021 Foreign Ministers’ meeting of the four countries when it was called International Forum for Economic Cooperation. The first leaders’ summit was exploratory, and the participating countries agreed to focus on investments in six sectors- water, energy, transportation, space, health, and food security. The apparent outcome of the first meeting was that it gave clarity on the nature of the grouping. The grouping is said to be purely economic as it focuses on the geoeconomic aspects of capital investments for improving infrastructure, climate change action, and public health access. With its diplomatic prowess, India has been a part of major economic initiatives in its neighbourhood in the form of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, BRICS, and now the I2U2. The I2U2 allows India to secure investments from Israel, UAE, and the US, emerge as an alternative renewable energy hub and diversify the supply chain mechanism. The I2U2 grouping is India’s continued legacy of cultivating harmonious and economically beneficial relations with West Asia under its Look West policy. The article explores India’s opportunities concerning the I2U2 grouping and assesses the group from a lens of continuation of the broader Look West policy. I2U2: What is in there for India? The cooperation between India, Israel, United Arab Emirates, and the US is a game-changer as these countries have come together to fulfil geoeconomic objectives of enhanced investments and tackle global challenges. For India, the I2U2 grouping is of particular significance as it places New Delhi in a position to leverage its strategic relations with Israel, UAE, and the US to build mutually beneficial economic partnerships without any adverse impact on its domestic commitments. During the summit, it was announced that UAE would invest $2 billion to develop sustainable and hi-tech integrated food parks in India’s Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. The investment in food parks will give an impetus to the Indian agricultural system as it will help in more agricultural output with cooperation from the Israel-UAE state and private sector. The investment also points toward the sustainability advantage that will benefit India as the food parks will address the food waste problem. Regarding geoeconomic features, the investment will enhance food security in the Gulf region, with India getting space to negotiate on energy security. Additionally, the I2U2 grouping focuses on private capital investment and technical expertise to solve waste treatment problems, health access, and start-up linkages. India stands to gain from these investments as India’s start-up industry is increasing quickly. The investments in start-ups and their linkages with other countries will provide an impetus to entrepreneurial innovation and the creation of more such ventures. Apart from the food security and start-up-oriented investment, the grouping also benefits India with its Clean Energy initiative. The initiative looks forward to establishing a hybrid renewable energy facility bringing together wind and solar energy for energy conservation and promoting a sustainable enterprise. The clean energy project aligns with India’s commitment to reducing carbon dependency in the Paris Agreement. Hence, India stands to gain from the I2U2 grouping as it is an opportunity for India to cooperate with UAE and Israel to make a stronghold in the rest of West Asia. Continuation of 'Look-West' policy It would not be an exaggeration to say that the I2U2 grouping is a continuation of India’s Look West Policy. India has had trade partnerships with West Asia in areas of energy and oil since the 1990s. In 2014, with the coming of Narendra Modi as Prime Minister, in line with the Look East policy, he charted a new approach focusing on building strategic relations with West Asia. Under the Look West policy, India determined to fulfil its national interest without getting involved in the regional politics of the Arab world. India’s approach to engaging with West Asia establishes a common ground for cooperation. The relations between India and West Asia rest on government-to-government (G-G), business-to-business (B-B), and people-to-people (P-P) contacts. In May 2022, India and the United Arab Emirates signed the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which is expected to increase the bilateral between the two countries. Similarly, India shares historical relations with Israel owing to its defence requirements. Saudi Arabia is another partner of India in West Asia, actively investing in the Jio platform of Reliance Industries. Therefore, the I2U2 complements India’s Look West Policy as it strengthens its position in the region by collaborating with UAE and Israel on economic, oil, energy, and defence matters. Additionally, partnering with the US other than in the Indo-Pacific enhances Indo-US relations. Grants India an advantage in the region The Look West Policy has positioned India in an advantageous position as its relations with the OIC have improved while remaining a balancer in the region by not taking sides between the Arab world and Israel or Saudi Arabia and Iran. The I2U2 presents an opportunity for India to enhance its partnership with the Arab world and strengthen its stance on harnessing relations with all regions. The grouping is a platform where countries can multilaterally invest and cooperate. The Arab region is significant for India’s foreign policy as it is a hotspot of many conflicts. The Look West Policy is India’s strategy of engaging with the area bypassing Pakistan’s geopolitical boundaries. Therefore, the Look West Policy and I2U2 are a critical aspect of India’s foreign policy as it is in the country’s national interest. The Look West Policy complements I2U2 by engaging India with other developing economies of West Asia in sectors ranging from energy, climate action, sustainability, etc. India should continue to diplomatically engage with West Asia to continue its multilateral approach to international relations while also focusing on building more people-to-people contacts. The I2U2 grouping allows India to act as a balancer in the region by engaging with all countries in a geopolitically charged region. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

I2U2: A continuation of India's 'Look West' policy

A new West Asian Quad has been established and it is called as the I2U2. It comprises of 4 nations; India, Israel, United States & UAE. US President Joe Biden will host a virtual first I2U2 summit with Indian PM Narendra Modi, Israel PM Naftali Bennett and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. To know more about the agenda of this grouping, we're joined by WION's correspondent Siddhant Sibbal.

I2U2 Summit: Focus: Strengthening ties in West Asia

I2U2 Summit: First India, Israel, UAE, US summit in July

A new West Asian Quad has been established and it is called as the I2U2. It comprises of 4 nations; India, Israel, United States & UAE. To know more about the agenda of this grouping, we're joined by WION's correspondent Siddhant Sibbal.

West Asian 'Quad' summit: Focus on food security and other areas of cooperation

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