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20-November-2023-Special-Article
November 20, 2023 @ 7:30 am - 11:30 pm
WHY PEACE IN WEST ASIA MATTERS TO INDIA
India’s stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict reflects a commitment to fostering a political resolution and enduring peace in the volatile West Asian region. This perspective aligns with India’s overarching strategic interests, particularly concerning energy needs, trade, and historical ties. This analysis delves into India’s diplomatic endeavors in West Asia, examining the historical context, recent policy shifts, and the significance of the region for India’s economic and security considerations.
Evolution of India’s Relations with West Asia:
Historical Links:
Ancient trade ties between the Indus Valley Civilization and Dilmun (modern Bahrain) and Punjab’s inclusion in the Persian Empire signify early connections.
Post-Independence Foundations:
Strong ties with leaders like Egypt’s Gamal Abdel Nasser marked India’s post-independence relations with West Asia, rooted in shared interests and movements like the Non-Aligned Movement.
Challenges from Pakistan’s Influence:
Pakistan’s proactive politics in the region posed hurdles, leading to complications as some West Asian countries were suspected of supporting Islamic fundamentalism in India.
India’s Foreign Policy Since 2014:
Look West Policy: Aims to fulfil national interests without entangling in regional Arab politics.
Economic Agreements: Recent India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
Strategic Investments: Saudi Arabia’s investment in India’s Jio platform.
Regional Cooperation: Participation in forums like the India-Arab Cooperation Forum and cooperation with the Organization for Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
De-Hyphenation Policy: Allows independent engagement with conflicting parties, exemplified by separate visits to Israel and Palestine.
India’s Major Achievements in West Asia:
Strategic and Counter-Terrorism Cooperation: Enhanced cooperation, exemplified by the UAE’s extradition of a wanted terrorist, Farooq Takla, to India in 2018.
De-Hyphenation Policy Success: Independent engagement with Israel and Palestine, showcasing a balanced foreign policy approach.
Recognition at the Organisation of Islamic Countries: Invited as the Guest of Honour at the Organisation of Islamic Countries summit in 2019, recognizing India’s growing influence.
I2U2 Collaboration: Actively participating in the I2U2 group with Israel, UAE, and the USA, focusing on collaborative projects in food security and clean energy.
Importance of Peace in West Asia for India:
Critical Energy Supplier: West Asia is a vital supplier of crude oil and natural gas, directly impacting India’s energy security.
Largest Trading Partner: West Asia, with a trade volume of $150 billion, stands as India’s largest trade partner, with the UAE and Saudi Arabia being major contributors.
Strategic and Maritime Security: The Israel-Hamas conflict poses a threat to West Asian stability, potentially impacting India’s strategic interests and maritime control in the Indian Ocean.
Indian Diaspora: Approximately 8-9 million Indians residing in West Asia, particularly in countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, underlining the importance of regional peace for the Indian diaspora.
Conclusion:
India’s engagement in the Israel-Palestine conflict is intricately tied to its broader strategy in West Asia, shaped by historical links, evolving relations, and recent diplomatic endeavors. As India navigates these complexities, the region’s significance for India’s energy security, trade, and strategic interests underscores the importance of fostering enduring peace in West Asia.
Mains Question:
- Examine the changing dynamics of India’s relationships with West Asia and explore its implications for India’s foreign policy and national interests. (150 Words) 10M