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While many Muslim countries in the Gulf region have been taking a tough stance against Israel, the UAE’s diplomatic moves seem to be going in a different direction. Latest reports suggest that UAE is working behind the scenes on a big trade corridor with Israel. And India is going to get the biggest benefit indirectly in this entire process.

According to Israel’s I24 network, secret meetings are going on between Israeli and UAE officials in Abu Dhabi. The objective is to build a high-speed rail corridor connecting the Gulf countries to Israel. This is the same project which many regional countries do not openly support. But UAE is taking it forward quietly.

Big trade boost for India

India can get the biggest benefit from this corridor. Goods from Indian ports will reach UAE. From there, via rail, across Saudi-Jordan, directly to Israel’s Haifa Port and then to Europe. That means India’s shipment speed is doubled, cost is halved.

Despite the ongoing war in Gaza, reports claim that this initiative has been continued behind the scenes. This is also interesting because regional tensions usually stop such multinational projects. But according to I24, negotiations on this corridor are progressing peacefully but steadily.

Along with rail, communication and energy lines also

This project is not limited to high-speed railway only. There are plans to lay communication cables, energy transmission lines, and possibly digital infrastructure in the future along the same corridor, the report said. If this happens, then this route can become a new route not only for freight transportation but also for technology and energy connectivity.

Step away from the collective policy of the Gulf

While the policy of many Muslim countries has been to maintain distance from Israel, the UAE, on the contrary, is giving priority to pragmatic interests. Trade, logistics and regional influence, UAE seems to have set its own path on these three fronts. This step of UAE is also an indication that Gulf politics is no longer the same as before. Every country is deciding alliances according to its economic interests.