New diplomatic developments are occurring, which have the potential of changing the course of the politics of the region. Four countries—Israel, United Arab Emirates, India and the United States have decided to launch a new quadrilateral consultation for expanding economic and political cooperation in West Asia.
This is not just a simple meeting designed to discuss economic possibilities between the four countries but rather it signifies the future of a strengthening alliance that has been in the works since 2020. Israel achieved several landmark successes with its relationship with the UAE in 2020. Israel’s newfound friendship with the UAE, facilitated by the US, is a relic of the Trump administration policy. Another relic of the Trump legacy are India’s budding relations with Israel and the US. These continued ties show that the Biden administration is eager to continue with this aspect of foreign policy inherited from Trump, albeit in a more restrained way.
So far economic opportunities are being discussed, but the underlying reason for greater cooperation is undeniably defence. The US, UAE and Israel have several strategic interests—most importantly with regards to Iran. The US, Israel and India also have interests with regards to containing China—reports suggest that the US used the trilateral talks to highlight its concerns over China’s growing presence in both Israel and UAE.
While any development in this consideration impacts Pakistan, with Islamabad being an activist for Palestinian rights on the international stage, and due to our friendly relations with the UAE, perhaps the biggest reason for keeping up this forum is the opportunity it provides India to interfere further with Pakistan’s foreign policy. India has become alienated from its neighbouring countries and generated hostility in the region—its foreign policy requires allies and cooperation beyond the region. Pakistan needs to keep updated with any ensuing developments in this regard, while continuing our policy of reaching out to other countries in the region, particularly in Central Asia.
So far economic opportunities are being discussed, but the underlying reason for greater cooperation is undeniably defence. The US, UAE and Israel have several strategic interests—most importantly with regards to Iran. The US, Israel and India also have interests with regards to containing China—reports suggest that the US used the trilateral talks to highlight its concerns over China’s growing presence in both Israel and UAE.
