Introduction

India’s West Asia policy has transformed from political caution to strategic activism, leveraging economic interdependence, diaspora diplomacy, and security cooperation to enhance energy security, regional influence, and Gulf-centric economic integration.

Earlier Paradigm: Pakistan-Centric & Risk-Averse

1. Hyphenated Diplomacy: Gulf states viewed India largely through Pakistan’s religious and political prism.
2. Strategic Hesitation: India avoided deep political engagement due to sensitivities over Kashmir and Palestine.
3. Transactional Engagement: Focus limited to oil imports and remittances, lacking strategic depth.

Strategic Shift Post-2014: “Think West”

1. Political Entrepreneurship: Leadership-driven diplomacy under Narendra Modi repositioned India as a civilisational and economic partner.
2. De-hyphenation from Pakistan: Gulf monarchies now treat India as an autonomous strategic actor.
3. Geographic Expansion: Engagement widened beyond GCC to Egypt, Jordan, and North Africa.

Energy Security Gains

1. Supply Diversification: Long-term crude contracts with Saudi Arabia and the UAE reduce volatility risks.
2. Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR): ADNOC stored oil in India’s SPR at Mangaluru — strategic trust beyond trade.
3. Gas & Renewables Cooperation: LNG contracts, green hydrogen partnerships align with energy transition goals.
4. Resilience Indicator: Despite West Asian conflicts, India ensured uninterrupted energy supplies.

Economic Integration with Gulf Monarchies

1. Trade Expansion: India–GCC trade reached $184 billion (2023–24).
2. FDI Inflows: Gulf sovereign funds invested in infrastructure, fintech, logistics, and startups.
3. Trade Agreements: CEPA with the United Arab Emirates and economic partnership with Oman enhance market access.
4. Diaspora Economics: Over 9 million Indians in the Gulf act as economic and cultural bridges.

Regional Influence & Strategic Role

1. Net Security Provider: Indian Navy’s anti-piracy missions protect sea lanes in the Gulf of Aden.
2. Defence Cooperation: Joint exercises with Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Egypt signal trust.
3. Balancing China: India offers a non-intrusive alternative to China’s port-led influence.
4. Diplomatic Credibility: Neutral stance in regional rivalries (Iran–Saudi) enhances India’s acceptability.

Political & Normative Outcomes

1. Kashmir Diplomacy: Post-2019, Gulf states avoided criticism; UAE termed it India’s internal matter.
2. Consular Protection: High-level interventions (e.g., Qatar naval veterans) show diplomatic maturity.
3. Palestine-Israel Balance: ndia maintains principled support for Palestine while deepening ties with Israel.

Critical Assessment

1. Over-Personalisation Risk: Heavy reliance on leader-level diplomacy may limit institutional continuity.
2. Regional Instability: Wars in Gaza and Red Sea tensions pose economic and security risks.
3. Energy Transition Challenge: Fossil fuel dependence must be balanced with renewables cooperation.

Way Forward

1. Institutionalise Strategic Dialogues
2. Deepen Defence Industrial Cooperation
3. Leverage IMEC & Multimodal Connectivity
4. Expand Rupee-Based Trade Mechanisms

Conclusion

Echoing Kautilya’s Mandala Theory, India’s West Asia diplomacy reflects pragmatic alignment. As noted by the World Bank on South–South ties, sustained engagement secures India’s energy, influence, and economic future.