The event, titled “I2U2: Towards a Transformative Quadrilateral Partnership”, brought together distinguished experts who explored the partnership’s role in reshaping international cooperation and economic integration. The event held virtually was organised by the CUTS International, a leading public policy body of India.
In his opening remarks, Pradeep S Mehta, Secretary General of CUTS International, emphasised the partnership’s innovative approach, noting that “I2U2 deliberately sidesteps traditional conflict narratives. Instead of focusing on historical tensions or regional disputes, the I2U2 partnership prioritises pragmatic economic cooperation and technological innovation.”
Ambassador Anil Trigunayat, who moderated the session, underscored the I2U2 strategic significance for India, describing it as “the first sub-regional, regional and beyond-the-region alliance in which the I2U2 countries have been enmeshed by bringing together their individual synergies to make it a great success.”
James Carafano, Senior Counsellor to the President and E.W. Richardson Fellow at The Heritage Foundation, USA, highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership’s geographical positioning. “The I2U2 is the confluence of four corridors. The need to dramatically expand the throughput through the Middle East is a global strategic imperative and this is vital to the success of the Southern Corridors,” he noted, adding that one of the vital ones among this is the Three Seas Initiative.
The discussion gained particular relevance in light of recent geopolitical developments. Former Israeli Ambassador to India Naro Gilon offered a compelling perspective on regional stability, stating that “Initiatives like I2U2 and IMEC foster synergy between strong economies, leveraging manufacturing, tech, and financial strengths to reshape realities – despite challenges like October 7. Cooperation is key.”A significant focus of the webinar was the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC), which aims to revolutionise connectivity between Asia, the Arabian Gulf, and Europe.Geopolitical analyst Velina Tchakarova emphasised, “The success of connectivity projects like the IMEC corridor depends heavily on European partnerships. Free trade agreements between the EU, Gulf states, and India could redefine global trade and multilateral diplomacy.”
Dr Carice Witte from the SIGNAL Group provided strategic insight into the partnership’s broader implications, noting that “The I2U2 partnership sends a powerful message to China, leveraging mini-laterals to reshape the geo-strategic landscape and push shared agendas through innovation, resilience, and collaboration.”
The historic ties between India and the UAE were highlighted by Dr Mustafa Taherali Saasa, Chairman of Raj Group of Companies, who observed that “The India-UAE partnership, built on centuries of trade and cultural ties, has become the foundation of I2U2, fostering rapid growth in trade, infrastructure, and food security agreements.”
The maritime dimension of this partnership was addressed by Vas Shenoy from the Indian Chamber of Commerce, Italy, who noted that “India’s awakening as a maritime power and its strategic presence in the Indo-Pacific and Indo-Mediterranean regions reflect its growing role in shaping global trade and security dynamics.”
The webinar explored various sectors where I2U2 cooperation could yield significant benefits, including artificial intelligence, water resource management, energy, technology, transportation, defence, space exploration, healthcare, and food security. Kathleen Davey Mistry, CEO of Mistry Advisors LLC, highlighted the mutual benefits of such cooperation, stating that “UAE’s commitment to India’s agriculture not only boosts food security but also creates jobs and fosters deeper cultural and economic ties between the nations.”
The event featured additional insights from Dr N. Janardhan, Director of Research and Analysis at the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy, UAE, who emphasised the shifting global economic landscape, noting that “We are entering an era where geoeconomics shapes geopolitics. The rewiring of supply chains and trade routes is shifting the global economic centre of gravity, with emerging powers like China, India, and Brazil disrupting the established order.”