Challenges Between India and Middle East
While India maintains multifaceted ties with Middle East countries, several challenges persist that can impact diplomatic relations. Here are some key challenges:
- Belt and Road Initiative: China’s Belt and Road Initiative poses a threat to India which is known as the String of Pearls which is an encirclement of India.
- Proxy Wars: The Internal Security of Yemen, Iraq and Syria is very bad which hampers the Political Stability of the region.
- Terrorism: Terrorism is the biggest threat to the Middle East region.
- Geopolitical Tensions: The Middle East is a politically unstable region and thus makes it difficult for India to balance its relations. For example, India is trying to strike a balance between Israel and Palestine.
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