What The US-India Counter To China In The Middle East Could Look Like

The US is in discussions about a major transportation initiative in collaboration with India, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, as revealed by a senior White House official.

The proposed project encompasses a comprehensive rail network linking Gulf and Arab states, along with shipping routes connecting the region to India.

Confidential sources cited by Axios reported this development, noting that if Saudi Arabia and Israel establish normalised relations, the rail system could potentially extend into Europe through Israeli ports.

Specific details about the project, including the countries it would traverse, have not been disclosed. The participating nations aim to unveil the agreement during the upcoming G20 summit in New Delhi.

US national security adviser Jake Sullivan, when en route to India, emphasized the significant economic and strategic benefits of establishing connectivity from India, across the Middle East, to Europe.

He acknowledged the effort invested in this initiative with their partners, though he refrained from indicating a specific announcement timeline.

The concept of this network was initially introduced at the I2U2 Business Forum, initiated in 2021 by the US, India, Israel, and the UAE to deliberate on infrastructure ventures in the Middle East. Subsequently, Saudi Arabia joined the discussions.

The I2U2 platform was established to address challenges related to water, energy, transportation, space, health, and food security, in cooperation with the private sector.

Support for infrastructure development is a pivotal element of the U.S. strategy to re-engage with the Middle East, a response to China's expanding influence in the region, notably through Belt and Road projects and other economic collaborations.

In March, China brokered a historic agreement to reestablish diplomatic ties between longstanding adversaries Iran and Saudi Arabia. Given the US perception of Iran as a threat, it aims to foster collaboration between Israel and Arab nations.

However, normalised relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran complicate efforts to encourage Israel-Saudi diplomatic ties.

While Israel and Saudi Arabia hold key roles in the White House's Middle East strategy, President Joe Biden has experienced strained relations with the leaders of both countries.

Securing the multilateral transport project deal would afford Biden more diplomatic flexibility in discussions with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The US intends to extend an invitation to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to visit Washington in the fall, with the aim of mending bilateral relations.