THE CONTEXT:
The significant transformation of India’s relations with the Gulf countries over the last decade is marked by increased diplomatic engagement, strategic economic partnerships, and enhanced counter-terror and defence cooperation. This transformation is attributed to factors such as diplomatic, political, and religious shifts and the recognition of the Gulf’s capital potential to accelerate India’s economic growth.
THE ISSUES:
- Diplomatic Engagement: The increased frequency and significance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visits to the Middle East, contrasting it with the previous Indian administration’s less frequent visits. Modi’s diplomacy and the establishment of connections with Gulf leaders are noted as critical changes in India’s approach.
- Political Domain: The shift from India’s historical support for Arab causes to a broader strategic engagement with the Gulf. This includes forming the I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE, and USA) group and announcing the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, signaling a radical reorientation of India’s geopolitical engagement with the Middle East.
- Religious Lens and Pakistan Factor: India’s past tendency to view Gulf relations through a religious lens and the complications arising from Pakistan’s outreach to the region. It notes the recent trend of India discarding this approach, which has led to improved ties with the Gulf, as evidenced by the construction of the BAPS temple in Abu Dhabi and the release of Indian ex-naval personnel by Qatar.
- Economic and Strategic Shift: The relationship between India and the Gulf has evolved from transactional to strategic, particularly in the economic domain. Recognizing the Gulf’s capital potential to accelerate India’s economic growth and the diversification of the Gulf economies beyond oil.
- Counter-Terror and Defence Cooperation: There is an expansion of counter-terror collaboration and the potential for deeper defence cooperation between India and Gulf countries. It suggests there is room for growth in military exchanges and joint development of weapons and technologies.
- Regional and International Impact: The transformation of India-Gulf relations has broader implications for regional peace and prosperity, especially in the Western Indian Ocean, and reflects India’s growing role as a global actor.
THE WAY FORWARD:
- Diplomatic Engagement: Continued and enhanced diplomatic engagement, including high-level visits, personal connections with Gulf leaders, and a focus on mutual trust and political give and take.
- Political Domain: A broader strategic engagement with the Gulf, including forming strategic partnerships, economic corridors, and shifting from declaratory positions to pragmatic engagement.
- Religious Lens and Pakistan Factor: Discarding the historical approach of viewing the region through a religious lens and focusing on building goodwill and cooperation while addressing the impact of Pakistan’s outreach to the Gulf.
- Economic and Strategic Shift: Leveraging the Gulf’s capital potential to accelerate India’s economic growth, diversifying economic partnerships, and focusing on long-term economic cooperation.
- Counter-Terror and Defence Cooperation: Deepening counter-terror collaboration and exploring opportunities for enhanced defence cooperation, including joint development of weapons and military technologies.
THE CONCLUSION:
India’s closer ties with the Gulf countries represent a significant win for Indian diplomacy and have radically reorientated India’s geopolitical engagement with the Middle East. There is a need for deeper cooperation with the region in promoting prosperity and peace in the Western Indian Ocean, and the potential for long-term economic partnerships and enhanced defence cooperation cannot be ignored.
UPSC PAST YEAR QUESTIONS:
Q.1) How will the I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE, and USA) grouping transform India’s position in global politics? (2022)
Q.2) India’s energy security is the most important part of its economic progress. Analyse India’s energy policy cooperation with West Asian Countries. (2017)
MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:
Q.1) India’s evolving relationship with the Gulf countries has witnessed a significant transformation, encompassing diplomatic, economic, and strategic dimensions. In light of this, discuss the factors contributing to this transformation and the potential implications for India’s geopolitical engagement with the Middle East.
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