Abraham Accords

Why in the News?

Recently, Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain marked the second anniversary of the United States-brokered Abraham Accords.

Key Points:

About

Abraham Accords:

• The Accords were called ‘the Abraham Accords’ as the three major monotheistic religions of the world, Islam, Christianity and Judaism, all find their roots in Prophet Abraham.
• Under the agreement, the UAE and Bahrain would normalise ties with Israel, starting a new phase of better economic, political and security engagement.
• As per the agreements, the UAE and Bahrain will establish embassies, and exchange ambassadors, with Israel.
• In return, Israel agreed to “suspend” its annexation plans for West Bank.

Why was Abraham Accords were signed?

• Iran’s growing influence in the region was a major factor in the signing of the Abraham accords. 
• The coming together of Israel, the UAE, and Bahrain are being done so because of their shared worry over Iran’s growing regional influence and ballistic missile development.

Significance:

• These accords will boost cooperation in tourism, trade, healthcare and security among signatory countries.
• They also open the door for Muslims around the world to visit the historic sites in Israel and to peacefully pray at Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.

Implications for India:

• Geopolitically, India has welcomed the establishment of diplomatic relations between the UAE and Israel, calling both its strategic partners. 
• The Abraham Accords provide the atmospherics for India to foster stronger ties with Arabs countries as well as Israel.
• In general, the Israel-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) normalisation of relations widens the moderate constituency for peaceful resolution of the Palestine dispute, easing India’s diplomatic balancing act.