WEST ASIA/MIDDLE EAST
West Asia (also known as the Middle East) holds immense strategic, economic, and cultural importance for India. Here's a breakdown of the key areas:
Energy Security
- West Asia is a major supplier of crude oil and natural gas to India. Over 60% of India's crude oil imports come from the region, making it vital for India's energy security.
- Countries like Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, and the UAE are crucial oil partners, ensuring a reliable energy supply for India's growing economy.
Economic Ties
- West Asia is a significant trading partner for India, with strong trade relations in sectors like petroleum products, gems and jewelry, machinery, and textiles.
- Indian companies invest heavily in West Asia's infrastructure, construction, and technology sectors.
- The region offers lucrative investment opportunities for India and a large market for Indian goods and services.
Diaspora and Remittances
- A vast Indian diaspora resides in West Asia, particularly in the Gulf countries. Numbering approximately 8-9 million, they contribute significantly to West Asia's economies and form a cultural bridge between the regions.
- Remittances sent by the Indian diaspora are a substantial source of foreign exchange for India, bolstering its economic reserves.
Security and Strategic Interests
- India maintains strong defense and security partnerships with many West Asian countries, aimed at countering terrorism, piracy, and ensuring stability in the Indian Ocean region.
- The region's geopolitical dynamics directly impact India's security concerns
- West Asian countries have been diversifying their alliances and partnerships. While the region traditionally had close ties with Western powers, there has been an increasing engagement with countries like Russia, China, and even some Asian nations. This diversification allows West Asian countries to balance their interests and reduce dependence on any single power.
- The changing dynamics of global power, with the rise of China and other emerging economies, has prompted West Asian countries to reevaluate their strategic positions. They are seeking partnerships that align with their economic and security interests in the evolving international order
- Many West Asian nations are undertaking ambitious economic diversification plans to reduce their reliance on oil revenues. These efforts include investments in technology, renewable energy, tourism, and other sectors. This economic diversification contributes to a shift in strategic thinking by placing greater emphasis on sustainable and resilient economic development
- Ongoing regional conflicts, such as the Yemeni civil war, Syrian conflict, and tensions between Iran and Gulf states, influence the strategic thinking in West Asia. Countries in the region are reevaluating their security postures and forging alliances based on perceived threats and opportunities
- The adoption of advanced technologies and digital transformation is shaping strategic thinking in West Asia. Nations in the region are investing in technology and innovation to enhance economic competitiveness and military capabilities
- West Asian countries are increasingly recognizing the impact of climate change and environmental challenges on their security and stability. This has led to a growing emphasis on sustainable development and cooperation in addressing environmental issues
- Recent diplomatic developments, such as the Abraham Accords between Israel and some Arab countries, indicate a willingness among certain West Asian nations to normalize relations and collaborate on various fronts. This has the potential to reshape regional dynamics and open new avenues for cooperation
- Some West Asian countries are investing in cultural diplomacy, education, and tourism to enhance their soft power influence. This shift acknowledges the importance of public perception and cultural ties in shaping regional and global relationships
- The ongoing threat of terrorism and extremism in the region has led to increased cooperation among West Asian countries and their global partners in counterterrorism efforts. The emphasis on security collaboration reflects a shared recognition of the need for collective action to address common challenges
- China's primary interest in West Asia remains economic. Its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) positions the region as a crucial link for trade and connectivity between Asia and Europe. China is a major investor in infrastructure projects, energy deals, and trade agreements in the region
- West Asia is a major supplier of oil and gas to China. To safeguard its energy needs, China has deepened relations with key oil exporters like Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Iran
- While focused on economic ties, China is also expanding its strategic influence in the region. It has established its first overseas military base in Djibouti and participates in naval exercises in the Indian Ocean region
- China is investing in cultural exchanges, educational programs, and media partnerships to project its soft power and influence in the region
- China's growing strategic presence in the Indian Ocean region and close ties with India's neighbours like Pakistan and Sri Lanka pose a potential challenge to India's traditional sphere of influence
- Chinese companies are major competitors for Indian firms in West Asia, particularly in infrastructure and technology sectors. There are also concerns about an increasing trade deficit with China
- India needs to balance its relationships with traditional partners in West Asia like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, while also managing its complex relationship with China and engaging with Iran (which is a major trade partner)
- China's close ties with Pakistan and its potential access to ports in the region like Gwadar raise security concerns for India
- India may find opportunities for cooperation with China on issues like energy security, where both countries share the common goal of securing stable oil and gas supplies
- Collaboration with China on infrastructure projects under the BRI framework could benefit India and the region, providing much-needed connectivity
- India's partnerships with the US, Japan, and other regional powers in West Asia provide a means to counterbalance China's growing influence
Shia and Sunni are the two main branches of Islam, representing roughly 85% Sunni and 15% Shia of the world's Muslim population. While they share the core beliefs and practices of Islam, they differ primarily in their understanding of religious leadership after the Prophet Muhammad's death.
Shia Muslims:
- Shia Muslims, or Shias, believe that leadership and authority were to be passed down through the family of Prophet Muhammad. They follow a line of Imams, starting with Ali ibn Abi Talib (the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad) and continuing through his descendants.
- Shias believe in the concept of Imamat, asserting that the Imams possess divine knowledge and spiritual authority. The twelfth Imam, believed by Shias to be in occultation, is expected to reappear as the Mahdi, a messianic figure
- Shias have some variations in their religious rituals, including the way prayers are performed and certain practices during religious events
- The commemoration of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, during the month of Muharram is a significant event for Shias, marked by processions and mourning rituals
- Shia Muslims constitute the majority in Iran, Iraq, Bahrain, and significant communities in Lebanon, Yemen, Syria, and parts of Pakistan and India
Sunni Muslims:
- Sunni Muslims, or Sunnis, believe in the concept of consensus (ijma) and community practice (sunnah) for selecting leaders. They follow the caliphs who succeeded Prophet Muhammad, starting with Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali
- Sunnis do not necessarily reject the leadership of Ali but consider the caliphs as legitimate leaders. The caliphate was a political position, and leaders were selected by the community
- Sunnis have their own variations in rituals, and their religious practices are generally based on consensus and community traditions.
- While Sunnis may acknowledge the events of Karbala and the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, their observance of Muharram is less elaborate compared to Shias
- Sunnis make up the majority of the global Muslim population and are prevalent in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, Indonesia, Pakistan, and many Arab states
Commonalities:
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Belief in One God: Both Shia and Sunni Muslims share the core beliefs of Islam, including the belief in one God (Allah).
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Five Pillars of Islam: Both sects adhere to the Five Pillars of Islam, which include the declaration of faith, prayer, fasting during Ramadan, giving to charity (zakat), and pilgrimage to Mecca (hajj).
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Holy Quran: Both Shia and Sunni Muslims consider the Quran as the holy book and the primary source of guidance in matters of faith and practice
Origins of the Split:
- The split arose due to a dispute about the rightful successor to Prophet Muhammad after his passing in 632 CE.
- Shia Muslims believe that Ali ibn Abi Talib, the Prophet's cousin and son-in-law, was the designated successor (Imam).
- Sunni Muslims believe the leadership should be chosen by the community and accept the first four caliphs after the Prophet, including Abu Bakr, who was not directly related to him
Impact on West Asian Countries:
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Iran-Saudi Arabia Rivalry: The most prominent manifestation of the Shia-Sunni divide is seen in the geopolitical rivalry between Iran (predominantly Shia) and Saudi Arabia (predominantly Sunni). This rivalry has fueled proxy conflicts in various regional theaters.
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Iraq: Iraq has a Shia-majority population but experienced Sunni dominance under Saddam Hussein's rule. Post-Saddam Iraq has faced challenges related to sectarian tensions, with Sunni-Shia divisions affecting governance and contributing to conflicts.
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Bahrain: Bahrain has a Sunni monarchy ruling over a Shia-majority population. This sectarian dynamic has led to protests and unrest, with allegations of discrimination against the Shia community.
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Lebanon: Lebanon has a complex sectarian political system, with power-sharing arrangements among different religious groups, including Shia, Sunni, and Christian communities. The Shia Hezbollah movement plays a significant role in Lebanese politics.
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Syria: The Syrian civil war, which began in 2011, has sectarian dimensions, with the Alawite-led government (an offshoot of Shia Islam) facing opposition from Sunni-majority rebel groups. Foreign powers, including Iran and Saudi Arabia, have been involved in supporting different factions.
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Yemen: The conflict in Yemen involves Houthi rebels, who belong to the Zaidi Shia sect, facing off against forces loyal to the Sunni-majority government. The intervention of regional powers, including Saudi Arabia, has amplified sectarian tensions
Importance of Saudi Arabia for India
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Energy Security:
- Saudi Arabia is a crucial oil supplier for India, consistently being one of its top crude oil sources. A stable relationship ensures reliable energy supplies, vital for India's economy.
- India also imports Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) from Saudi Arabia, fulfilling a significant portion of its domestic energy needs.
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Trade and Investment:
- Saudi Arabia is one of India's most important trading partners in the Middle East. Bilateral trade covers petroleum products, machinery, textiles, chemicals, and more.
- Saudi Arabia is a focus area for Indian investments, especially in infrastructure, technology, and renewable energy sectors.
- Growing economic ties create jobs and opportunities for businesses in both countries.
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Indian Diaspora:
- Saudi Arabia hosts one of the largest Indian communities overseas, with approximately 2.5 million Indians working in various sectors.
- They play a vital role in Saudi Arabia's economy and form a cultural bridge between the two countries.
- Remittances sent by the diaspora are an essential source of foreign exchange for India.
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Security Cooperation:
- India and Saudi Arabia share concerns over terrorism, piracy, and instability in the Indian Ocean region.
- They collaborate on counter-terrorism efforts and intelligence sharing.
- Joint naval exercises enhance maritime security cooperation.
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Diplomatic Influence:
- Saudi Arabia, as a major player in the Islamic world and the Gulf region, holds significant influence.
- Close ties with Saudi Arabia strengthen India's diplomatic reach and allow it to play a constructive role in the wider region
- Saudi Arabia's traditionally close relationship with Pakistan creates a delicate balance for India's diplomacy.
- India is wary of Saudi investments in Pakistan's defense sector and Saudi Arabia's positions on the Kashmir issue
- Rising sectarian tensions between Saudi Arabia (Sunni) and Iran (Shia) and their proxy conflicts in the region complicate the security landscape. India must manage ties with both while maintaining a non-aligned stance
- Saudi Arabia's human rights record, treatment of migrant workers (including those from India), and limitations on religious freedom raise concerns
- India's dependence on Saudi oil makes its economy vulnerable to fluctuations in oil prices and potential supply disruptions
- India tries to navigate its need for energy ties with Iran while maintaining good relations with Saudi Arabia, Iran's regional rival
The plight of Indian migrant workers encompasses a complex range of challenges and hardships, often exacerbated by structural inequalities and a lack of adequate protection. Here's a breakdown of their key issues:
Precarious Working Conditions:
- Informal Labor: Most migrant workers engage in informal, temporary jobs in construction, agriculture, or domestic work with little job security, no contracts, and minimal legal protection.
- Underpayment: Wage theft, delayed payments, and wages below minimum wage are widespread issues for migrant workers.
- Unsafe Conditions: They frequently work in hazardous conditions, facing risks of injury or harm due to a lack of safety regulations and equipment.
- Long Hours and Harsh Environments: Migrant workers often endure long working hours with few breaks, in extreme weather conditions, or with inadequate living quarters.
Vulnerability and Exploitation:
- Trafficking and Labor Exploitation: Migrant workers are vulnerable to human trafficking, debt bondage, and other forms of labor exploitation by unscrupulous employers and middlemen.
- Social Exclusion: They face discrimination, linguistic barriers, and social isolation in host cities.
- Limited Access to Basic Services: Migrant workers often lack access to essential services like healthcare, education, sanitation, and clean drinking water
India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) share a strong, multifaceted, and rapidly growing relationship marked by historical ties and common interests. Here's a breakdown of their relations:
Key Aspects of the India-UAE Relationship:
- Historical Ties: People-to-people contacts and trade between the regions date back centuries. These historical links form a strong foundation for the modern relationship.
- Economic Partnership: The UAE is India's third-largest trading partner and a major source of foreign investments. Bilateral trade covers petroleum products, precious metals, textiles, machinery, and food items. Indian companies actively invest in the UAE's real estate, technology, and infrastructure sectors.
- Energy Cooperation: India relies on the UAE as a reliable source of crude oil and LPG. Both countries are exploring collaborations in renewable energy.
- Indian Diaspora: The UAE hosts one of the largest Indian communities overseas, with over 3 million Indians residing in the country. They work in various sectors, forming a crucial link between the two countries. Remittances by the diaspora contribute significantly to India's foreign exchange reserves.
- Defense & Security Cooperation: India and the UAE share concerns about terrorism, extremism, and regional stability. They conduct joint military exercises, intelligence sharing, and cooperate in maritime security.
- Strategic Importance: India considers the UAE as a crucial partner in the Gulf region and a gateway to the wider Middle East. The relationship helps India balance its interests in the region and project its soft power.
Recent Developments:
- Elevated Partnership: In 2015, relations were upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This marked a major elevation and set the stage for broadening areas of cooperation.
- CEPA: In 2022, the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) was signed, aiming to boost bilateral trade significantly and create new opportunities.
- Investments: Major investments by UAE sovereign wealth funds in India's infrastructure and technology sectors underline the growing economic ties and trust.
- High-level Visits: Regular summits and visits by leaders from both sides reflect the political commitment to strengthening the relationship.
- Cultural Exchange: Growing focus on promoting cultural understanding and tourism.
The South Asia Gas Enterprise (SAGE) has proposed a 2,000-kilometer-long energy corridor with the objective of establishing a connection between the gas-rich Gulf and Middle East regions and India. This initiative aims to facilitate the transportation of natural gas, addressing India's energy requirements.
The proposed route explores a path via Oman and the UAE through the Arabian Sea, strategically avoiding regions of geopolitical sensitivity. This pipeline would provide the flexibility to import gas from Oman, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Turkmenistan, and Qatar, collectively possessing gas reserves of 2,500 trillion cubic feet (tcf).
The anticipated capacity of the pipeline is to deliver 31 million metric standard cubic meters per day (mmscmd) of gas to India through a 20-year long-term supply agreement. If successfully implemented, this pipeline project has the potential to generate annual savings of approximately 7,000 crores in comparison to importing an equivalent volume of liquefied natural gas (LNG)
