QUAD GROUPINGS

• Recently, the Foreign Ministers of India, the US, Israel and the UAE concluded a virtual meeting. The meeting is a strong manifestation of the changes in West Asian geopolitics and formation of another Quad like grouping in the Middle East.
• India’s involvement in this new grouping reflects a shift in its foregin policy.

Important points:

• The new grouping is possible after the resumption of formal diplomatic relations between Israel and the UAE, through the Abraham Accord
• The new Quad can be termed as a result of converging interests between India, the UAE, and Israel amidst Turkish president RecepTayyip Erdogan’s assertive claims for the leadership of the Islamic world.
• The US is clearly seeking to lessen its footprint in the Middle East as part of its pivot to East Asia to tackle China’s rise, which is redrawing West Asia’s traditional equations.
• In order to contain rising China’s assertiveness, the US under its ‘pivot to Asia policy’ has launched Quad initiative, Indo pacific narrative

Significance:

• The four-nation meeting suggests India is now ready to move from bilateral relations conducted in separate silos towards an integrated regional policy.
• Much in the manner that the “Indo-Pacific” has transformed the way India thinks about the east, the notion of a “Greater Middle East” can provide a huge fillip to India’s engagement with the extended neighbourhood to the west.

Way Forward

While it is too early to speak of the strategic significance of such a grouping, there are areas where it can deepen its engagement – trade, energy ties, fighting climate change and enhancing maritime security.

SOURCE: THE HINDU,THE ECONOMIC TIMES,MINT