India is planning an ambitious connectivity project that aims to link New Delhi to the Middle East. The project is being seen as an effort by India to counter China’s growing influence in the Gulf region.
India is planning an ambitious connectivity project that aims to link New Delhi to the Middle East. The project is being seen as an effort by India to counter China’s growing influence in the Gulf region.
According to Axios, the idea of the connectivity project linking Middle Eastern countries to India through roads, rails, and seaports emerged after a meeting of the I2U2 group which includes Israel as its member states.
According to Axios, the idea of the connectivity project linking Middle Eastern countries to India through roads, rails, and seaports emerged after a meeting of the I2U2 group which includes Israel as its member states.
During the meeting, India’s National Security Adviser, Ajit Doval, met with his counterparts from the US and UAE, with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in attendance. The leaders discussed a joint infrastructure project that connects the Middle Eastern countries via a rail network.
During the meeting, India’s National Security Adviser, Ajit Doval, met with his counterparts from the US and UAE, with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in attendance. The leaders discussed a joint infrastructure project that connects the Middle Eastern countries via a rail network.
I2U2 is a result of a Trump-era agreement called the Abraham Accords. The Abraham Accords led to the normalization of relations between Israel and many Arab countries and allowed for the creation of the I2U2 group.
I2U2 is a result of a Trump-era agreement called the Abraham Accords. The Abraham Accords led to the normalization of relations between Israel and many Arab countries and allowed for the creation of the I2U2 group.
Notably, India has a great track record as an infrastructure provider. India boasts of the world’s largest rail system in Asia while contributing. to cross-border electricity-sharing arrangements
Notably, India has a great track record as an infrastructure provider. India boasts of the world’s largest rail system in Asia while contributing. to cross-border electricity-sharing arrangements
Saudi Arabia is not a formal part of the I2U2 group due to the country not having formal relations with Israel. However, the presence of the Saudi Crown Prince suggests the country will play an active role in curbing China’s influence in the Middle East using the new initiative.
Saudi Arabia is not a formal part of the I2U2 group due to the country not having formal relations with Israel. However, the presence of the Saudi Crown Prince suggests the country will play an active role in curbing China’s influence in the Middle East using the new initiative.
Why does this connectivity project matter?
The Middle East has become an increasingly important region for India in recent times. India retains trade interests in the region, while millions of Indians work there and send remittances home.
Why does this connectivity project matter?
The Middle East has become an increasingly important region for India in recent times. India retains trade interests in the region, while millions of Indians work there and send remittances home.
Reportedly, India also wants to push back against China’s growing influence in the region owing to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) investments in the region along with a recent strategic agreement with Iran. China also recently mediated a reconciliation deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia.
Reportedly, India also wants to push back against China’s growing influence in the region owing to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) investments in the region along with a recent strategic agreement with Iran. China also recently mediated a reconciliation deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia.
In the best-case scenario, India also has the potential to reap advantages from both land and sea trade pathways that span from Israel and the UAE to Greece’s Piraeus harbour and beyond into Europe.
In the best-case scenario, India also has the potential to reap advantages from both land and sea trade pathways that span from Israel and the UAE to Greece’s Piraeus harbour and beyond into Europe.
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