NEW DELHI: US President Joe Biden, PM Modi and leaders of Gulf states are reportedly planning to announce a joint infrastructure agreement during the Group of 20 summit in Delhi this weekend.

This initiative is part of US's efforts to counterbalance China's influence in the region, Axios and Reuters reported quoting sources.Also See: G20 Summit LiveThe plan aims to establish a network of railways connecting Gulf and Arab countries.

It will also include connectivity to India through shipping lanes from ports in the region.These discussions align with the Biden administration's broader diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, which include encouraging Saudi Arabia to recognize Israel, Axios report said.Additionally, a US-supported proposal to expedite land-trade routes between Gulf Arab countries and the Mediterranean Sea has been discussed among Israel and Gulf nations.

However, officials have acknowledged that there is no specific timeline for implementing these changes.Earlier this year, Jake Sullivan, Biden's national security advisor, held discussions in Saudi Arabia that involved Indian and UAE representatives.

The talks explored potential areas of cooperation, including investments in strategic infrastructure projects such as ports and railways.According to Axios, an announcement of the project will likely increase the chances of a possible brief bilateral meeting between Biden and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on the sidelines of the G20 in Delhi.The American push comes as Saudi Arabia and the UAE, both old allies of US, have been strengthening their ties with China as they seek to enhance relations with rapidly growing eastern economies.

Last month, these oil-rich Gulf states announced their intention to join the BRICS group of emerging market nations, with China playing a leading role in this move.The BRICS leaders are also working to increase the group's influence and counter US dominance in the global economy and trade, including the role of the US dollar.In recent years, the US has been actively countering President Xi Jinping's Belt and Road Initiative, which has financed extensive infrastructure projects in emerging markets.

China has also been strengthening its ties with the Middle East, including facilitating a détente between Saudi Arabia and Iran earlier this year.Xi is scheduled to host world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, at a Belt and Road summit in Beijing next month.(With inputs from agencies)