Significance of the Middle East For India
The Middle East holds immense significance for India, encompassing political, economic, and strategic dimensions that shape India’s foreign policy. Here are key aspects of the importance of Middle East countries for India:
- Geopolitical Importance: The Middle East is one of the world’s most important regions because it is at the tri-junction of Asia, Europe and Africa. Thus it controls the major trade routes of the world.
- Cultural and Religious Significance: The Middle East is also known as the Cradle of Human civilizations” because it is the birthplace of religions like Islam, Christianity and Jewish
- Sensitive Zone: It is a very sensitive zone in international politics because of the prevalence of many religions
- Economic Significance: The Middle East region is very important for energy security.
- Pakistan’s Involvement: Pakistan is making links in the Middle East to get support from them. Thus, India is trying to counter the influence of Pakistan.
- Diaspora and Remittances: Many people from India are working in Middle East countries and thus more remittances.
- Natural gas and Oil: India imports natural gas from the Persian Gulf. The share of Middle Eastern oil in India’s crude imports in October rose to 62% from 55.5% in September.
- Defence Cooperation: India has Defence Cooperation with Oman and UAE. India has access to Port Duqm in Oman which will strengthen India’s maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
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