2022 · GS Paper 2 · Q19 · 15 marks
How will I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE and USA) grouping transform India's position in global politics ?
In short
I2U2 can lift India from a transactional oil buyer in West Asia to a co-architect of regional food, energy and connectivity projects, though the Gaza war and slow delivery limit it. The UAE pledged USD 2 billion for integrated food parks in India.
Model answer
Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 268 words
Food and energy security
The UAE pledged USD 2 billion for food parks in India, and a 300 MW hybrid wind and solar project in Gujarat was backed.
From buyer to partner
India moves from oil importer and labour supplier to co-designer of West Asian projects, extending Link West.
Geoeconomic hinge
The I2U2 railway idea prefigured IMEC (G20, 2023), and with the Quad, India becomes the common partner of two US-backed minilaterals.
Regional instability
The October 2023 Hamas attack and Gaza war stalled Arab-Israeli normalisation, on which I2U2 and IMEC rest.
Balancing acts
The Chabahar agreement with Iran (2024) and support for a two-state solution limit alignment with a US-Israel axis.
Slow delivery
Projects from 2022 have moved slowly, with no secretariat or fund.
Prove the model
Complete the food parks and the Gujarat project, and feed them into IMEC.
Strategic autonomy
Keep ties with Iran, Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council so India stays a bridge, not a camp follower.
This model answer is indicative and the model can make mistakes; please verify key facts independently.
Practise this question
1Get the answer sheet
Sized for this question.
2Write your answer
Timed, by hand.
3Get it marked
Your score and what to fix.
This chapter in the exam
Global6 questions
Asked in 6 of 14 sittings since 2013
- 2026“BRICS acts as a powerful counterweight in global governance, actively amplifying the voice and influence of the Global South.” Explain the role of BRICS in projecting itself as an alternative to other groupings.
- 2025"With the waning of globalization, post-Cold War world is becoming a site of sovereign nationalism." Elucidate.
All 6 questions, sorted by sub-topic, with model answers and practice.
Question from the official UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2022 paper. Answer written by Ghissu's engine and checked against our editorial standards. Found an error? Tell us and we correct it within 48 hours.