India and the great power contest in West Asia

Source – The post is based on the article “India and the great power contest in West Asia” published in “The Hindu” on 23rd September 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- International relations

Relevance – West Asian geopolitics and involvement of major powers

News – At the G­20 summit in New Delhi, United States President Joe Biden and others unveiled a United States backed infrastructure project to connect India, West Asia and Europe with shipping lanes, rail networks, pipelines and data cables.

What are the main components of Mr. Biden’s strategy for West Asia?

1) Reducing friction between Middle East countries: It is the continuation of the Trump policy. Trump wanted to bring together America’s two key allies in the region, the Gulf Arab states and Israel. The purpose is to address shared geopolitical challenges, particularly related to the rise of Iran.

The Abraham Accords initiated transformation in Israel’s relationships with countries like the United Arab Emirates. This policy will fully succeed with a diplomatic agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia.

The Biden administration believes that a Saudi-Israeli agreement can improve Arab-Israeli relations. Also, it will strengthen the US position in the region without additional military commitments.

2) Strengthening US Presence in Middle East: Mr. Biden wants to reassure America’s friends and allies that the US remains actively engaged in West Asia.

In 2012, leaders from India, Israel, the United States, and the UAE held a virtual summit. It has since evolved into the I2U2 Mini lateral.

The I2U2 platform seeks to facilitate economic integration between West Asia and South Asia. It offers economic and technological solutions to the challenges faced by countries in the Global South.

What are the reasons behind the changes in US strategy for West Asia?

The United States has shifted its focus away from West Asia by deprioritized its security commitments in the region. It is increasing its focus on Eastern Europe and East Asia. However, the following factors have brough the US back in the region:

China is heavily reliant on imports for over 70% of its oil needs. It is increasing its engagement with West Asia.

China has become the largest trading partner for America’s Gulf Arab allies and a significant investor in the region. China wants to play a more substantial role as a peacemaker. Iran-Saudi reconciliation agreement shows it.

Therefore, the US cannot simply exit West Asia. Otherwise, China will fill the vacuum.

What are the challenges in reengagement of US in the West Asia?

1) Rising trend of Independent foreign policies: The U.S.’s deprioritization of the region has weakened its influence on its allies. This has created a security vacuum, prompting regional powers to pursue more independent foreign policies. For example, Saudi-UAE détente with Iran, ending the Saudi-led blockade of Qatar, and Arab reconciliation with Syria’s Bashar al-Assad.

Furthermore, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are making policies that are not entirely dependent on U.S. objectives. Their decision to join the BRICS grouping is illustrative of this trend. They are no longer willing to remain as client states, as they were during the Cold War and the unipolar world.

2) Reducing significance of Iran factor: The rivalry between Iran and Israel remains the central geopolitical tension in West Asia. Gulf Arabs don’t want to be entangled in the Iran-Israel rivalry. It would destabilise the region.

How is India’s importance growing in the US policy for West Asia?

For India, the competition between the U.S. and China in West Asia presents new opportunities for engagement. It wants to involve India as a stable partner in shaping new rules for economic engagement and integration. India appears willing to embrace this role. Which is proved by the following events:

1) India’s participation in Abraham Accords.

2) Announcement of India-Middle East-Europe Corridor at G20.

3) India’s participation in I2U2 minilateral.

What should be the policy of India towards west Asia?

India should grab this opportunity, but should not view it through the lens of another Cold War.

India’s policy towards the region should be based on the concept of multi-faceted engagement rather than appeasing or containing any major power. By that, it would avoid the repeat of its Afghanistan policy.

India is already a part of the International North-South Transport Corridor. The potential “Middle East Corridor ” would provide other economic opportunities.

India should aim to play a significant geopolitical role in West Asia and its extended neighbourhood without disrupting its traditional balance.