On Sunday in Riyadh, United States National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met with Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Prime Minister and Crown Prince, Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE National Security Advisor and Ajit Doval, Indian National Security Advisor, lending credence to reports that the three Asian countries are forming a major rail network.
Axios reported on Friday that the US was discussing plans for the railway network, apparently as part of its Middle East strategy to counter China's growing influence.
In a White House press release, the leaders and NSA officials met in Saudi Arabia "to advance their shared vision for a more secure and prosperous Middle East region connected to India and the rest of the world."
It is reported by Axios that the joint infrastructure project will connect Arab countries with India via rail lines and shipping lanes from ports in the region. A US official told the website that the project will be one of many topics discussed during the visit.
Sources say that the idea for the new initiative came up during talks held over the last 18 months in another forum called I2U2, which includes the US, Israel, the UAE, and India. President Joe Biden’s administration expanded on the idea to include Saudi Arabia.
Axios also said that its requests for comments from the Indian, Emirati and Saudi embassies in Washington were not met.
When Sullivan spoke at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy on Thursday, he hinted at the initiative by saying: "If you remember nothing else from my speech, remember I2U2, because you will hear more about it in the future."
The readout on Sullivan's visit to Saudi Arabia stated: “With Crown Prince Mohammed, he reviewed significant progress in talks to further consolidate the now 15-month long truce in Yemen, welcomed UN-led efforts to bring the war to an end, and discussed a range of other matters.
The four delegations agreed to maintain regular consultations and follow up on the matters discussed throughout the day. Mr. Sullivan thanked the Crown Prince for his assistance during the evacuation of US citizens from Sudan.
