The mini-multilateral MEQ challenges India to build on its close bilateral economic ties with both Israel and the United Arab Emirates. All the more so because its refusal to join the Indo-Pacific’s Regional Comprehensive and Economic Partnership makes it look economically isolated and gives the impression that it cannot cope with competition from China.
ARMY Chief General MM Naravane’s recent visit to Israel has highlighted the significance of last month’s virtual meeting of foreign ministers of India, Israel, UAE and the US to form an “international forum for economic cooperation” to promote trade, infrastructure building, vaccines and maritime security in West Asia. Initiated by America after its retreat from Afghanistan, this grouping of culturally diverse countries sharing economic interests is being hailed in India as the ‘Middle East Quad’ (MEQ) or ‘West Asia Quad’ to distinguish it from the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, which focuses on maintaining the balance of power in America’s Indo-Pacific. The MEQ presents India with an unprecedented chance to strengthen its economic profile in West Asia. Read More…
