Context: 

Recently, Saudi Arabia hosted a special meeting of the National Security Advisers (NSAs) of India, the U.S. and the UAE. 

• The grouping of these 4 countries is informally called the Quad in West Asia or the New Quad.

Brief about the meeting:

• The countries discussed means to strengthen relations and ties between their countries in a way that enhances growth and stability in the region.
• It sought to advance the shared vision of a more secure and prosperous Middle East region interconnected with India and the world.

About West Asian Quad or I2U2:

• Background: I2U2 came together on the back of the momentum created by the Abraham Accords — brokered by the Trump administration to normalise ties between Israel and Arab countries including Bahrain, the UAE and Morocco.
• I2U2 stands for India, Israel, the UAE, and the US, and was also referred to as the ‘West Asian Quad’ by Ahmed Albanna, Ambassador of the UAE to India. 
• In 2021, a meeting of the foreign ministers of the four countries had taken place. At that time, the grouping was called the ‘International Forum for Economic Cooperation’.
• AIM: 

1. 1. To discuss common areas of mutual interest, to strengthen the economic partnership in trade and investment in our respective regions and beyond.
   2. To encourage joint investments in six mutually identified areas such as water, energy, transportation, space, health, and food security.
   3. To mobilise private-sector capital and expertise to help modernise the infrastructure, develop clean energy for industries, improve public health, and promote the development of critical emerging and green technologies.

News Source: The Hindu

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