Al Haqeeqa
India’s relations with the West Asian countries under Modi 3.0 need a reassessment as the region is transforming rapidly. Despite all the complexities of geo-politics, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has improved economic ties with countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) through comprehensive trade agreements and bilateral exchanges. Analysts have attributed the success of India’s West Asia policy to the charismatic leadership influence of “personal diplomacy” and the presence of shared strategic visions. Therefore, under Modi 3.0, it is imperative to understand the pattern of change and continuity of India’s West Asia Policy.
Soon after the election victory and the establishment of the new Government, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar visited Abu Dhabi on June 23, 2024, which signifies that Modi 3.0 sees west Asia as an important strategic region, ensuring continuity of engagement. The visit affirms that the comprehensive strategic partnership between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is going to remain a core area of India’s foreign policy. Along with this partnership, the work on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) spans various sectors, including trade, cooperation, energy, and cultural exchanges, and is likely to remain a strategic goal. Through such engagement, India can achieve two strategic objectives: expanding trade linkages (land and naval) and reaching out to Indian products in strategic global markets. Another goal is to strengthen strategic position and autonomy through multilateral engagements, enhancing world peace, stability, and security. India recognizes that approximately 8.9 million expats live and work in the GCC. The GCC countries recognize the Diaspora’s contribution to the development of the region and for their law-abiding and peaceful nature. The Modi Government 3.0 is working to expand the existing strategic partnerships in the fields of technology & scientific innovation by drawing investment from Gulf partners to make explorations in unexplored areas of space science, cyber security & technology, intelligence & surveillance, and the effective use of AI and nuclear technology. The maritime security and military security sectors remain two core areas where India can excel and provide Gulf States security assistance, military equipment, drones, Indian-built air crafts and small arms for their defense. In the naval industry, India has huge potential to become a naval power in the Arabian Sea, Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean.
The economic and security interests between India and the GCC are aligning paving the way for a robust partnership between India and the West Asian countries. Since 2014, there has been a significant increase in engagement, and this trend is expected to continue in the coming years. Modi 3.0 is set to systematically converge these bilateral collaborations into strategic partnerships. The first step has been taken in in the form of mini-lateral collaborations for a cooperative and peaceful vision for achieving mutual growth. The I2U2 can be seen as a first step in this direction and IMEEC is an extension of that partnership to envision all-encompassing economic and infrastructural projects. The global vision under Modi 3.0 is a testament to the fact that India values its Muslim neighbours and simultaneously dismantles the narrative that India is anti-Muslim country. After all, facts speak louder than rhetoric.
-Altaf Mir,
PhD Scholar, Jamia Millia Islamia
