Leaders of India, United States, Israel and the UAE will assemble virtually for the first ever I2U2 summit on July 14,, which will be hosted by Joe Biden. The US President is currently on a state visit to Israel.

I2U2, which has been dubbed as the QUAD of the west, was conceptualised after a minter level meeting was held between the four nations in October last year. The meeting was later rebranded as I2U2.

Also read: I2U2 summit: India’s role in the new grouping

What is on the agenda?

According to a press release from India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the I2U2 meeting on Thursday will focus boosting joint cooperation in six areas. These include energy, transportation, health, water, space and food security.

The leaders will discuss the possible joint projects within the framework of I2U2 as well as the other common areas of mutual interest to strengthen the economic partnership in trade and investment in our respective regions and beyond, according to the press release.

Also read: Why is I2U2 is being called ‘Quad of the west’?

State officials have so far not revealed any plans to boost military cooperation, which includes potential weapon sharing. However, US State Departement spokesperson Ned Price said the diplomatic alliance can evolve.

Zirkur Rehman, a former ambassador, told Hindustan Times, “This is like a Quad for West Asia and I see a role for India as a facilitator and moderator in ensuring issues are resolved with Iran through wisdom and negotiations.”

Also read: What is I2U2?

India-US cooperation at the I2U2 summit

While the US will look to strengthen ties with the Middle East, its relations with India have largely been in upswing. The US is seeing India as a “massive consumer market”, Ned Price said.

“It is a massive producer of high-tech and highly sought-after goods as well. So, there are a number of areas where these countries can work together, whether its technology, trade, climate, COVID-19, and potentially even security as well.”