INDIA'S MIDDLE EAST POLICY
1. Context
2. India's Middle East policy
India's Middle East policy is a significant aspect of its foreign policy, which aims to maintain and strengthen its diplomatic, economic, and strategic relationships with countries in the Middle East region. The Middle East policy of India is influenced by various factors, including energy security, trade, geopolitical considerations, and historical ties.
India's policy towards the Middle East
- One of the primary drivers of India's engagement with the Middle East is energy security. India is heavily dependent on oil and gas imports from Middle Eastern countries. Securing a stable and uninterrupted energy supply is a critical component of India's foreign policy.
- India has historical and cultural ties with many countries in the Middle East, particularly with countries in the Gulf region. These relationships are often based on shared historical and cultural connections, including trade and migration.
- The Middle East offers significant economic opportunities for India. It is a major trading partner for India, with exports of goods and services, including manpower (skilled and unskilled labour), playing a crucial role in India's economic growth.
- India has a shared interest with many Middle Eastern countries in countering terrorism and promoting regional security. Cooperation in intelligence sharing, counterterrorism efforts, and defence partnerships are essential components of India's Middle East policy.
- India's Middle East policy involves a delicate balancing act. It seeks to maintain good relations with countries in the region, even when they have conflicting interests, such as India's relationship with Israel and its historical support for the Palestinian cause.
- India has a significant Indian diaspora in the Middle East, particularly in the Gulf countries. The welfare and protection of the Indian community living and working in the region are a priority for India's Middle East policy.
- India is actively involved in regional and multilateral forums in the Middle East, such as the Arab League, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). India's presence in these forums helps it strengthen its regional influence.
- India has developed strategic partnerships with several Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Israel. These partnerships cover various aspects, including defence, security, and economic cooperation.
- India often seeks to play a constructive role in addressing regional conflicts in the Middle East, such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the situation in Yemen and Syria.
- India's Middle East policy includes efforts to diversify its energy sources, reduce dependence on a few countries, and enhance energy security through strategic investments and partnerships.
3. Repercussions of the Israel-Palestine Conflict on India
- An escalation in the conflict may disrupt India's trade relations with Israel, especially in defence technology. Israel is a significant supplier of defence equipment to India, and any disturbance in this trade could affect India's defence capabilities.
- India traditionally maintains a balanced foreign policy approach towards Israel and Arab countries. An intensification of the conflict, potentially involving other Arab nations, could pose diplomatic challenges for India in maintaining its equilibrium.
- India's economic and strategic interests in the Middle East have grown, particularly regarding initiatives like the India-Middle East-Europe economic corridor. Escalation and involvement of regional actors like Hezbollah and Iran could destabilize the region, impacting India's interests.
- The Middle East is a crucial source of energy imports for India. Disruptions in the region's stability could potentially affect India's energy supply, leading to economic challenges.
- India has a significant expatriate population in Middle Eastern countries. Ensuring their safety and welfare is a top priority for India, and an escalation of the conflict may put their well-being at risk.
4. India's Stand
- India has a long-standing history of supporting the Palestinian cause, opposing the UN's partition plan in 1947, and withholding full diplomatic relations with Israel for many years.
- India recognized the statehood of Palestine in 1988 and was one of the first countries to do so.
- India has adopted a balanced approach by recognizing both Israel and Palestine. In 2018, it de-hyphenated its relationship with both nations, treating them independently.
- India has supported UNHRC resolutions to investigate human rights violations in Gaza. However, India also abstained from voting against Israel in UNHRC in 2015.
- India advocates for peaceful dialogue and diplomacy as the primary means to resolve the conflict. It supports the Quartet and other international actors in facilitating peace talks between Israel and Palestine.
5. The way forward
India's Middle East policy is characterized by its pragmatism, adaptability, and the pursuit of its national interests. It aims to strike a balance between maintaining good relations with all countries in the region while securing its energy needs and expanding economic and strategic partnerships. This policy is continually evolving to respond to the changing dynamics in the Middle East and India's global aspirations.
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For Prelims: Israel, India's Middle East policy, Gulf Cooperation Council, Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Arab League,
For Mains:
1. Analyze India's approach to countering terrorism and promoting regional security in the Middle East. How does India collaborate with Middle Eastern nations in these areas, and what are the implications for its foreign policy? (250 Words)
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Previous Year Questions 1. Which of the following is NOT a member of Gulf Cooperation Council? (UPSC 2016)
A. Iran B. Saudi Arabia C. Oman D. Kuwait
Answer: A
2. Which one of the following statements about the Organization of Islamic Cooperation is not correct? (CDS GK 2019)
A. Its permanent Secretariat is located at Jeddah.
B. It endeavour's to safeguard and protect interests of the Muslim world in the spirit of promoting international peace and harmony among various people of the world.
C. It is the largest inter-governmental organization of the world
D. It has consultative and cooperative relations with the UN.
Answer: C
3. Consider the following pairs: (UPSC 2018)
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched? (a) 1 and 2 (b) 1 and 4 (c) 2 and 3 (d) 3 and 4 Answer: B 4. Which one of the following countries of South-West Asia does not open out to the Mediterranean Sea? (UPSC 2015) (a) Syria Answer: B 5. The area known as ‘Golan Heights’ sometimes appears in the news in the context of the events related to (UPSC 2015) (a) Central Asia Answer: B 6. Yom Kippur War was fought between which sides/ countries? (UPSC 2008) (a) Turkey and Greece Answer: C Mains: 1.“India’s relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back.” Discuss (UPSC 2018) |
Source: indianexpress
