History of Relationship between India and Middle East
India and the Middle East have a history of trade dating back to ancient times. The Silk Road and maritime routes connected the Indian subcontinent with the Arabian Peninsula and beyond. Cultural exchanges between India and the Middle East have been ongoing for centuries. This includes the spread of Indian religions, such as Buddhism, to regions in the Middle East. The medieval period saw the arrival of Islamic rulers and the establishment of sultanates in parts of India. This led to increased cultural and economic interactions between the Indian subcontinent and the Islamic world.
The Mughal Empire, which ruled over a significant part of the Indian subcontinent from the 16th to the 19th centuries, had diplomatic and trade relations with Middle Eastern powers. The Mughals maintained ties with the Safavids in Persia and the Ottoman Empire. During the colonial period, European powers, including the British, played a significant role in the Middle East and India. The Suez Canal, a vital maritime route, became crucial for British colonial interests in both regions.
Relation Between India and Middle East
Relations between India and the Middle East have evolved throughout the years and this growth in relationship has been controlled by many factors. India has many relations with the Middle East such as economic ties, diaspora connections, energy security and diplomatic relations. There are important Indian investments in countries like Oman Egypt, Sudan, Iran, and beyond.
India and the Middle East have had relations since prehistoric times which dates back to the Indus Valley civilization and Mesopotamia. The relations with the Middle East are important for India as the Middle East is a strategic region with both geopolitical and geo-economic significance. India and the Middle East also share deep civilisational connections, cultural exchange and historical linkages. Every region in the Middle East appreciates India’s democracy, ancient civilisation and strategic partnership. The Middle East is a reservoir of resources and strategic location and is thus important to the whole world. The Prime Minister of India strengthened the ties between India and the Middle East since the beginning of his term.
Table of Content
- History of Relationship between India and Middle East
- Countries in the Middle East
- Significance of the Middle East For India
- Challenges Between India and Middle East
- India’s Look West Policy
- Gulf Cooperation Council
- Recent Developments in India and Middle East Relation