Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to participate in the first summit of the four-nation 'I2U2' grouping, comprising India, the US, Israel, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), on Thursday, 14 July.
The summit, which will be held virtually, will be hosted by United States President Joe Biden. The conference will also see the participation of Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Ahead of the summit, the White House has indicated that President Biden will raise the issue of food security at the meet, in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine war. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs also said that the I2U2 leaders will deliberate upon economic partnerships and other areas of mutual interest.
Here's what's on the agenda for the maiden conference between the four world leaders.
Summit To Address 6 Mutually Identified Areas of Cooperation: MEA
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has said that the I2U2 nations will focus on strengthening areas of mutual interest and economic partnerships.
"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. These projects can serve as a model for economic cooperation and offer opportunities for our businesspersons and workers," the ministry said in a statement issued on Tuesday, 12 July.
It also added that the grouping was aimed at encouraging joint investments in six mutually identified areas:
Water
Energy
Transportation
Space
Health
Food security
"It intends to mobilise private sector capital and expertise to help modernize the infrastructure, low carbon development pathways for our industries, improve public health, and promote the development of critical emerging and green technologies," the MEA statement noted.
The grouping was conceptualised at a meeting of the external affairs ministers of the four countries held in October 2021.
Biden's Visit To Focus on Israel's Integration: White House
The I2U2 summit will take place during the US president's visit to West Asia from 13 July to 16 July.
US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan had said on Monday, 11 July that the summit would focus on food security – a topic of great concern since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
"The visit will also focus on Israel’s increasing integration into the region, both through the Abraham Accords with UAE, Morocco, and Bahrain; through deepening ties between Israel, Jordan and Egypt; and also an entirely new groupings of partners, including Israel, India, UAE, and the United States – what we call I2U2," the White House had said in an earlier statement.
Biden will participate in discussions on the food security crisis and other areas of cooperation across hemispheres where UAE and Israel serve as important innovation hubs, the White House had said.
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)