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INDIA-MIDDLE EAST by Atrishekhar - Coggle Diagram
INDIA-MIDDLE EAST
by Atrishekhar
Areas of cooperation
● Defence,agriculture , S&T
● INSTC, Chabahar
● Iraq, UAE potential trade partners
● Saudi - indian pilgrims
Army chief visit to Saudi & UAE - 1st by Indian Army chief. This can open new avenues for defence Cooperation.
India entered into strategic partnership with UAE, Qatar, Israel, Strengthened strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia through creation of Strategic-Partnership council.
In Pulwama crisis, Saudi and UAE played important part in keeping Pakistan in line.
India has also signed Agreement on information sharing &intelligence co-operation with UAE.
For the first time, joint naval exercises with UAE (Gulf Star-1) were held in 2018
De-hyphenation of Israel - Palestine policy- PM Modi visited Israel in 2017 but didn't visit Palestine
Voted against US in the UN for recognizing Jerusalem as Israeli capital.
Due to Proxy wars in Yemen and Syria India had to evacuate Indian civilians through ‘Operation Raahat
Constraints with look west policy
● Israel’s improving staus with Arab world may not endure
● Modest scale of India’s efforts in Central Asia
● Vulnerability of diaspora
● Regional conflicts
Another intifada or revival of support for the Palestinians by the wider Arab public could put pressure on Gulf regimes to reverse their current rapprochement with Israel.
Sustainability of ABRAHAM ACCORD
India’s engagement with Iran over Chabahar is unlikely to eliminate the Pakistan/China option.
US-Iran dispute shows, India is susceptible to regional conflicts over which it has little control
IRAN-SAUDI CONFLICT AND GROWING CLOSENESS BETWEEN CHINA AND IRAN
Deterioration of relations between the GCC and Iran
Iran and Saudi Arabia have also made Afghanistan an arena for their regional competitions
Iran criticised India on Art 370 issue
China, Russia, Pakistan, Iran and Turkey
Due to US sanctions India has to cut its oil and gas imports from Iran
Accusing India of delay in implementation, Iran has dropped India from Chabahar-Zahedan railway project
India-Qatar Relation
INDIA-ISRAEL
IRAN
SAUD ARABIA
UAE
INDIA-UAE COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT (CEPA)Salient features
Salient features
● Stringent rules of origin
● Broader FTA with GCC
● Market entry points for africa,ME & europe
● 1 mn new job opportunities
● Automatic registration & market authorization
India along with the United States and two Middle east countries Israel, and the United Arab Emirates set up a new joint working group “I2-U2” to enhance cooperation and partnerships.
areas of operation of I2U2
Economic cooperation:
Six identified focused areas
1 more item...
Clean Energy
Connectivity
Finding solutions for waste management:
Strengthening startup ecosystem
Security and defense cooperation:
Climate diplomacy:
1 more item...
significance
Dehyphenation of foreign policy
India’s position in global politics
Market benefits for India
Strategic autonomy
Investments in India:
1 more item...
Focusing on voluntary roles:
Significance of grouping for diaspora:
More flexibility to India in the region:
Diplomacy shifts from bilateral to regional mechanism:
Around 3 million Indians are living harmoniously in the UAE.
As India seeks to enhance economic engagement and deepen security cooperation with the Gulf, it finds a willing partner in the UAE.
UAE’s ‘Look East’ find partners for its economic growth and with security concerns emanating from turmoil in West Asia and growing threat from terrorism.
UAE has a special place due to its business-friendly atmosphere, willingness to invest in the Indian economy.
The UAE occupies a key place in India’s West Asia policy. The high-level visit from both sides has given a new impetus to this partnership.
What are the recent developments in India and UAE relationships?
The deal was negotiated and finalised in just 88 days and promises to increase bilateraltrade from $60 billion to $100 billion in five years.
Bilateral trade between the two countries was $84.5 billion in the year from April 2022 to March 2023.
It has already ushered in
preferential market access for 97% of tariff lines
accounting for 99% of Indian exports to the UAE.
• Indian PM Modi has bestowed the
Order of Zayed
, the UAE’s highest civilian award.
India and UAE also issued a Joint Vision Statement titled, “Advancing the India and UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership: New Frontiers, New Milestones”.
• Dubai-based DP World and India’s National Skills Development Council signed an agreement to set up a Skill India Centre in Varanasi.
The Centre aims to train local youth in logistics, port operations and allied areas so that they can pursue overseas employment.
India has signed an agreement with the United Arab Emirates that will allow it to settle trade in rupees instead of dollars, boosting India's efforts to cut transaction costs by eliminating dollar conversions.
India, the world's third biggest oil importer and consumer and whose central bank last year announced a framework for settling global trade in rupees, currently pays for UAE oil in dollars.
UAE considers $50 billion investment in India, strengthening bilateral ties:
During the virtual summit in February 2022, both sides signed a
Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
Joint Military Exercise 'Desert Cyclone 2024' between India and UAE to be held in Rajasthan
The first-ever India-UAE Joint Air Forces exercise took place in September 2008 at the Al-Dhafra base in Abu Dhabi.
India – Oman
Background
India and Oman are linked by geography, history and culture and enjoy warm and cordial relations.
Diplomatic relations were established in 1955 and the relationship was upgraded to Strategic partnership in 2008.
Visits at the highest level have been exchanged frequently between India and Oman.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi visited Oman in February 2018.
The Sultanate of Oman is a strategic partner of India and an important interlocutor at Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Arab League and Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) fora.
Economic & Commercial Relations
Both India and Oman accord high priority to strengthening economic and commercial relations between the two countries.
Economic cooperation between India and Oman is reviewed thorough the institutional mechanism of Indo-Oman Joint Commission Meeting (JCM).
During 2019-20, bilateral trade was US$ 5.93 billion and during 2020 – 21 (April 2020 – February 2021) the total trade was US$ 4.6 billion.
Major Exports: mineral fuels and products of their distillation, textiles, machinery, electrical items, chemicals, iron and steel, tea, coffee, spices, rice and meat products and seafood.
Major Imports: urea, LNG, polypropylene, lubricating oil, dates and chromite ore.
Oman-India Joint Investment Fund (OIJIF) is a 50-50 Joint Venture between State Bank of India and erstwhile State General Reserve Fund (SGRF) of Oman.
Indian firms have invested heavily Oman in various sectors like iron and steel, cement, fertilizers, textile, cables, chemicals, automotive, etc.
Indian Community in Oman
There are about 624,000 Indians in Oman (February 2021), of which about 4,83,901 are workers and professionals.
The Basic Law of Oman recognizes the right to different forms of worship.
The Hindu merchant community has two temples, including one over a century old, and their own cremation grounds.
RECENT
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held 'productive' talks with Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, with a focus on expanding bilateral cooperation in the key areas of security, defence, trade and economy.
The two sides also announced the third tranche of Oman-India investment fund worth USD 300 million (around Rs 2,500 crore) that would be used for channelising investment into the fastest growing sectors of the Indian economy.
The fund was started as a 50:50 joint venture between the SBI and the Oman investment authority, with the first tranche of USD 100 million followed by USD 200 million.
There was also a discussion on the possibility of Oman utilising India’s digital payment system UPI with a corresponding Omani platform, besides an exchange of views on trade in Rupee.
Saying that a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA) will add a new dimension to economic ties, PM Modi expressed hope that both sides will soon be able to sign the pact.
It is learnt that the overall situation arising out of the Israel-Hamas conflict also figured in the talks.
Ministry of External Affairs’ spokesperson said that the challenge of terrorism and the larger need to try and achieve a two-state solution as a way forward was discussed.
Defence cooperation
The Ministries of Defence of both countries review their relations annually under the aegis of Joint Military Cooperation Committee meetings. Both Air Force and Navy undertake staff talks regularly which has been the catalyst for new areas of cooperation.
Army exercise: Al Najah
Air Force exercise: Eastern Bridge
Naval Exercise: Naseem Al Bahr
A large number of Omani Military personnel regularly subscribe to numerous courses offered under the Indian Technical & Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme.
In addition, other than the Defence Subject Matter Expert Exchange that regularly takes place Indian Navy has been deploying mobile training teams in Oman on an annual basis for training of RNO personnel.
India has been given access to Port Duqm in Oman for military and logistic use which is a strategic success for India’s maritime security.
Challenges
Slow Progress of the Middle East to India Deepwater Pipeline (MEIDP): The MEIDP limits the cooperation potential between the two countries
China factor: With Oman’s biggest oil importer and Belt and Road initiative, China poses a challenge
Global diplomatic challenges: Allegations of Oman backing the Houthi rebels in Yemen may lead to diplomatic challenges for the India-Oman relations
INDIA-KUWAIT
SIGNIFICANCE
5 more items...
BACKGROUND
Kuwait and India are the members of Non-aligned Movement (NAM).
Both share identical views on various regional and international matters and have been cooperating with each other in international forums.
High level discussions and consultations between the two friendly countries is a regular feature of bilateral relations.
Until 1961, the Indian currency note – the Rupee was a legal tender in Kuwait.
LATEST
Strategic Partnership: Both leaders agreed to elevate India-Kuwait relations to a ‘Strategic Partnership’ to enhance cooperation across various sectors viz. political, trade, defense, security, and cultural areas.
Joint Commission on Cooperation (JCC): A JCC was established to monitor bilateral relations, headed by the Foreign Ministers of both countries.
Joint Working Groups (JWGs): New JWGs were formed in areas of trade, investment, education, and security to facilitate cooperation.
Trade relations: Both sides emphasised the importance of trade and discussed enhancing bilateral trade and investment opportunities in various sectors like infrastructure and food parks.
Energy cooperation: Discussions included transforming energy cooperation into a comprehensive partnership. Kuwait's membership in the International Solar Alliance was welcomed as a step towards sustainable energy collaboration.
Defence cooperation: An MoU was signed to strengthen defense ties through joint exercises, training, and development of defence technology.
Counter-terrorism: Both countries condemned terrorism and agreed to enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts.
Health: The visit reinforced health cooperation, including Indian pharmaceutical manufacturing in Kuwait.
Cultural exchange: A Cultural Exchange Programme for 2025-2029 was renewed to promote arts and cultural ties.
Sports cooperation: An Executive Programme for sports cooperation was signed for 2025-2028.
Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer’: The Amir conferred upon the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi the highest award of Kuwait, ‘The Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer’.
Oil & Gas
Saudi Arabia is currently India’s second-largest supplier of crude oil (russiahas been India's top supplier).
India imports around 18% of its crude oil requirement and around 22% of its Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) requirement from Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia will assist in setting up the world's largest greenfield refinery at Raigarh in Maharashtra by Saudi Aramco, Adnoc of the United Arab Emirates and Indian public sector oil companies.
Bilateral Trade
Saudi Arabia is India’s fourth largest trade partner (after the USA, China and UAE).
India, Saudi Arabia Hold First Indo-Gulf Cooperation Council & Strategic Cooperation Dialogue
In FY 2021-22, bilateral trade was valued at USD 42.8 billion.
India’s imports from Saudi Arabia reached USD 34.01 billion and exports to Saudi Arabia were worth USD 8.76 billion. An increase of 49.5% over 2021.
Total trade with Saudi Arabia accounted for 4.14% of India’s total trade in FY 2021-22.
Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet recently approved the decision to join the China-led Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
The SCO already had more economic clout than the G7 and in 2021 held its latest set of combined military exercises. And now resource rich Saudi Arabia is joining.
So, it’s not a surprise that almost immediately after the Chinese negotiated the Iran/Saudi deal OPEC, the oil cartel, of which both countries are members, announced cuts in production. The resulting oil price rises that will keep inflationary pressures on the west — and the Russian economy afloat.
India, as a member of the SCO and the Quad (the loose alliance of Australia, India, Japan and the US), is doing what India does best
The SCO holds frequent joint military and counter terrorism exercises with the next planned later in 2023
Indian Diaspora:
Cultural Linkages:
Naval Exercise:
The 2.6 million-strong Indian community in Saudi Arabia is the largest expatriate community in the Kingdom and is the ‘most preferred community’ due to their expertise, sense of discipline, law-abiding and peace-loving nature.
Haj pilgrimage is another important component of bilateral relations between India and Saudi Arabia.
Saudi announces ‘visa within 48 hours’, 96-hr stopover visa for Indian Haj pilgrims
Indians can now perform Umrah on business, tourism and umrah visas; three new visa centres to be opened in India
In 2021, India and Saudi Arabia started their first-ever Naval joint exercise called the Al-Mohed Al-Hindi Exercise.
Saudi Arabia approaches IPL team owners to set up world's richest league in Gulf
SAUDI IRAN TALKS
2019
: Iran-backed Houthis claimed responsibility for a drone attack on Saudi oil facilities that caused major damage and threatened global supplies. Some experts suggested Iran was responsible. The incident led to heightened tensions.
2021:
Tehran later said it “welcomed dialogue” with Riyadh but did not confirm that direct talks had occurred. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan visited Oman amid reports that Muscat was seeking to host Saudi-Iranian talks too.
Iran and Saudi Arabia held their first direct talks since the execution of Al Nimr. Hosted by Iraq, neither country confirmed the talks, which were reported to have focused on the conflict in Yemen and the crisis in Lebanon. Four rounds of talks would be held between April and September.
2022:
Iran pulled out of talks ahead of a planned fifth round without giving a reason, a day after mass executions in Saudi Arabia that activists said included 41 Shiites.
His successor, Mohammed Shia Al Sudani, visited Iran and was reported to have raised the issue of resuming talks with Saudi Arabia.
Iraq's then-caretaker Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi attempted to restart the dialogue with a visit to Saudi Arabia and then Iran, but there is no subsequent news of further negotiations.
2023:
Saudi Arabia and Iran announced in Beijing that they would fully restore diplomatic relations within two months, following talks in China's capital that began on March 6.
Weeks later, Saudi Arabia and Iran agreed to resume flights at the first meeting between the kingdom's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amirabdollahian in China since the announcement of resuming ties.
Iran and Saudi Arabia will start formal talks to resume direct scheduled flights between Tehran and Riyadh and other cities
India-lran Relations have turned more fruitful and productive after the Iranian revolution of 1979, the war in Afghanistan (1979) and the Iran-Pakistan ties got degraded.
After Cold War, relations have been improving. Iran and India closely cooperated in supporting the Northern Alliance in Afghanistan against the Taliban in the 1990s.
Iran has emerged as India’s most viable transit option for trade with Central Asia and Russia.
India, Russia and Iran signed an agreement in 2000 for sending Indian Cargo to Russia via Iran through a ‘North-South Corridor’.
The
“Tehran Declaration”
signed during former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s visit to Iran
affirmed the shared vision of the two countries for an “equitable, pluralistic and co-operative international order”
But in 2006, India voted against Iran over its clandestine nuclear programme at International Atomic Energy Agency.
Due to US pressure India slashed Oil imports by 40 percent and backed off from pipeline project bringing gas via Pakistan.
However, relations were back on track in 2008 when Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad came to India, and India promised an independent policy towards Iran and not yield to US pressure.
India has worked hard to maintain its ties with Iran when there were international sanctions on Iran from all sides.
Bilateral trade with Iran suffered due to banking and insurance censures.
In 2015, India liberalized its visa policy for Iran and struck it off the prior referral category (PRC) of countries.
Iran can be the key supporter of India in the wake of the growing influence of terror groups such as the Islamic State.
Prime Minister Modi’s historic visit to Iran in 2016 led to enhanced focus on increasing connectivity, trade, investment and energy partnership.
India, Afghanistan and Iran signed a trilateral trade treaty for developing the port project and beyond.
In April 2016, India’s Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas visited Iran.
Farzad-B field was discovered by Indian explorers in 2012.
India and Iran sealed the terms to develop the gas project Farzad B in the Persian Gulf.
India lined up USD 20 billion as investment in oil & gas, petrochemical and fertilizer projects in Iran.
In May 2016, PM Modi visited to Iran, where the historic Chabahar port agreement was signed which is a contract for the development and operation of the port for 10 years of 2 terminals and 5 berths.
There was a MoU on provision of services by Indian Railways, including financing $1.6 billion, for Chabahar-Zahedan railway line.
India and Iran are making significant progress in finalizing a 10-year pact for operations at the Chabahar port.
Chabahar is Iran's only oceanic port. It is situated in Sistan and Baluchistan Province, on the Makran coast.
There are two main ports in Chabahar – the Shahid Kalantari port and the Shahid Beheshti port.
Alternative Trade Route: Historically, India's access to Afghanistan and Central Asia has been largely dependent on transit routes through Pakistan.
Chabahar Port offers an alternative route that bypasses Pakistan, reducing India's reliance on its neighbor for trade with Afghanistan and beyond.
Economic Benefits: Chabahar Port offers India a gateway to the resource-rich and economically vibrant region of Central Asia.
Strategic Influence: By developing and operating Chabahar Port, India can enhance its strategic influence in the Indian Ocean region,thus strengthening India's geopolitical position.
Iran has announced visa-free entry for 33 countries, including india marking a significant step towards “opening the doors of the country to the world.”
● Trade at US $ 5.66 bn
● 3rf largest trade partner of Israel
TRADE
The latest effort for an FTA with Israel comes on the back of the government’s recent drive to resume a number of trade negotiations
• The government has so far committed to resuming talks with the U.K., Australia and the European Union
• Expressing the hope, they would also be concluded in 2024
• It will open the Israeli market for Indian businesses in a more favourable way
Areas of concern
● Trade & investment not harnessed
● Fissures in west asia
● HR violation
● Connectivity
● Close ties with china
• Free Trade Agreement Talks have been shelved
• India’s recent move to de-hyphenate relations between Israel and Palestine
Repercussions of Israel-Palestine Conflict on India
Trade Relations:
An escalation in the conflict could impact India's trade with Israel, particularly in critical areas like defense equipment.
Israel is a significant supplier of defense technology to India, and any disruption in this trade relationship could affect India's defense preparedness.
Diplomatic Challenges:
India has traditionally maintained a balanced approach in its foreign policy towards Israel and Arab countries.
If the conflict escalates and draws in other Arab nations, it could pose diplomatic challenges for India. Balancing its ties with Israel and maintaining good relations with Arab nations may become more complex.
Economic and Strategic Ties with the Middle East:
India's economic and strategic ties with the Middle East have grown in importance, particularly in the context of initiatives like the India-Middle East-Europe economic corridor.
If the conflict intensifies and involves other regional actors like Hezbollah and Iran, it could destabilize the West Asian region.
Energy Supply:
The West Asian region is a crucial source of energy imports for India.
Any disruption in the stability of the region could potentially impact India's energy supply, leading to economic challenges.
Welfare of Indian Expatriates:
India has a significant expatriate population working in various Middle Eastern countries.
The welfare and safety of these Indian nationals could be at risk if the conflict escalates, and it becomes essential for India to ensure their protection.
Cooperation
● Political - new quad
● Eco - expertise in tech
● Tech R&D, I4F
● Defense & security - barak
● Culture & education
● Indian community
The recently concluded virtual summit of I2-U2 marks the building of political and diplomatic capital for each other with partner nations.
• Aiming to bolster the mutual defence relationship, Indian Defence Minister and Defence Minister of Israel exchanged the ‘Letter of Intent’ and adopted a ‘Vision Statement’.
The two countries have several joint development projects in the pipeline, including the Long-Range Surface to Air Missile (Barak-8) for the Indian Navy’s warships.
• India has benefitted from Israeli expertise and technologies in several sectors like Agriculture which includes post harvest, micro-irrigation etc.
India has dropped plans to arm its fleet of Israeli Heron Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and will now only upgrade Heron’s communication capability to satellite connectivity to allow them better endurance capabilities,
Sources in the defence establishment said that India is procuring a host of UAVs, including the Predator drones from the US, and hence it did not make sense to spend another nearly Rs 5,000 crore to arm the Heron drones under what was known as Project Cheetah.
Israel recently declared LeT as terrorist group. Will india reciprocate by declaring Hamas as a terroroist organization?
Status of Relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel Amid War
The US has been working for months to broker a deal that would improve relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia.
The highlight of the deal is that Saudi Arabia will recognise Israel for the first time since the latter’s establishment in 1948.
Specifically, the kingdom seeks protection from Iran, which has been its arch rival for decades now.
Saudi Arabia wants an agreement with the US that would be as close as possible to a mutual defence pact - in which any attack on the kingdom would be seen by Washington as an attack on the US.
The deal also includes US support for a Saudi civilian nuclear programme and US approval for the sale of sophisticated weapons to the kingdom.
Israel, which is technologically advanced in a wide range of fields, will also help Riyadh move its economy beyond oil.
More than resolving the Palestinian question, Riyadh now wants security guarantees from the US in exchange for recognising Israel.
Saudi Arabia is the richest and most powerful of the Arab countries. A formal relationship will bring economic benefits to Israel.
It would give legitimacy to the State of Israel in the mostly-Muslim region and help the country become a significant player in West Asia.
Background
1971 India was among the few countries which recognized Qatar soon after its independence in 1971.
1973 India and Qatar established full diplomatic relations in 1973. Year 2023, marks the 50 years of the bilateral diplomatic relations.
2008 Visit of PM Manmohan Singh to Qatar marked a significant turning point in India-Qatar Relations.
2015 The Emir of Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani visited India in 2015.
2016 PM Narendra Modi visited Qatar in 2016.
SIGNIFICANCE
GEOECONOMIC
GEOSTRATEGIC
GEOPOLITICAL
GEOCULTURAL
Cultural events organised by community organizations affiliated to the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC).
Qatar was a co-sponsor of India’s resolution for declaration of June 21 as International Yoga Day.
Qatar’s membership in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is politically significant for India, especially concerning issues like Kashmir
India needs support of Qatar for UNSC permanent membership.
India and Qatar have signed a Defence Cooperation Agreement for stronger defence cooperation .
The maritime relations are further strengthened by Exercise Zair-Al-Bahr.
Qatar is the largest supplier of LNG to India. LNG makes up almost 50% of our LNG imports.
India is among the top four largest export destinations for Qatar (Qatar exports to India- LNG, LPG, chemicals and petrochemicals, fertilisers, plastics).
India is also among the top three sources of Qatar’s imports (India’s key exports to Qatar include cereals, copper articles, iron and steel articles, vegetables, fruits).
Several Indian Companies like L&T, Wipro, TCS and TechMahindra operate in Qatar.
Around 8 lakh Indian expatriate community live and work in Qatar.
The flow of remittances (around 750 million dollars) and safety of Indian expatriate community, makes Qatar vital for India’s interest.
Challenges
Islamic Conservatism
Harbouring Terrorism
Use of Soft-Power against India
Death sentence to arrested Indian Navy Personnel in oct 2023
Qatar commutes death sentence of Indian Navy veterans in dec 2023
Successful balancing act- In the past, India has managed a successful balancing act in a tripolar West Asia.
During the Cold War years of global bipolarity, India’s foreign policy followed the principles of the 1955 Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
India ceased viewing West Asia through the prism of its issues with Pakistan-
No bilateral political issues- Since last 3 decades, except for continuing O.I.C. activism relating to Kashmir in particular, there are no bilaterally contentious political issues between India and the G.C.C. countries.
Hands-off policy- Since the turmoil in West Asia gathered force in 2011, India has hewed to a “hands-off” policy
India is seen as a 'Balancer'- Like in other regions, India is seen as a 'Balancer' to counter China’s rise in Middle East.
Energy Security- The Gulf- West Asia- North Africa region meets a major share of India’s energy needs – contributing over 60 per cent of India’s total imports of crude oil and over 85 per cent of India’s LNG requirements.
Diaspora remittances- There are around 8 to 9 million Indians in West Asia.
According to a UN report on international migration, in 2023, inward remittances MAJORITY from the Gulf into India were WORLD TOTAL 126 BILLION billion U.S. dollars
S.JAISHANKAR, "If the eastern front is building upon longstanding policy, the western one is relatively more recent conceptually. He further went on to say, "I can confidently predict that ‘Act East’ would be matched with ‘Think West’.”
main powers
India and the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) have initiated discussions on a free trade agreement that may not include a bilateral investment treaty. India aims to access the affluent market in the GCC region for its goods and secure concessions on visas, while also attracting investment.
Abraham Accords which is crucial for the success of India included initiatives such as the I2U2 (India, Israel, US, and UAE) and the India- Middle East Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
DEVELOPMENT OF DHOLERA CITY GUJRAT
India Middle East Europe Corridor is a network of transport corridors comprising railway lines and sea lanes to promote economic integration between Asia, the Arabian Gulf, and Europe.
Project Details- The proposed corridor will comprise of two separate corridors- the Eastern corridor and the Northern corridor. The Eastern Corridor will connect India to the Arabian Gulf and the Northern Corridor will connect the Arabian Gulf to Europe.
It will involve transit by ship between India and Saudi Arabia, followed by a rail link to the UAE and likely to Jordan from where the shipment will move by sea to greece\italyand further by rail.
Along with the railway track, cables for energy and digital connectivity as well as a pipeline for clean hydrogen export will be laid.
Member Countries – India, US, UAE, Saudi Arabia, European Union (EU), Italy, France and Germany.
Part of – It is part of the Partnership for Global Infrastructure Investment (PGII) which is a collaborative effort by G7 nations to fund infrastructure projects in developing nations. PGII is the G7 bloc’s counter to China’s Belt and Road Initiative. PGII is part of G7’s vision of Build-Back-Better framework.
Geo-Political Significance
Counter to Chinese Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)
Counter to China’s growing geopolitical Influence in Middle East
Geopolitical Stability in Middle East
Normalisation of Diplomatic Relations
Reduced geopolitical dependence on Suez Canal and red sea
Expansion of G20 role from purely economic grouping to geo-political grouping-
Increase in Trade and employment opportunities
Development of Infrastructure
Promotion of Intra-regional Connectivity
Indo-US convergence in Middle East
Strategic engagement with the Arabian Peninsula
It breaks Pakistan’s monopoly over India’s overland connectivity to the West
It also provides India an alternate transport corridor route for Europe by reducing over dependence on Chabahar Port and INSTC.
Opportunity to join Trans-African Corridor
Increase in Trade Competitiveness
OIC
Organisation of Islamic Cooperation is an international organization founded in 1969, consisting of 57 member states.
It is the second largest inter-governmental organization after the United Nations.
The organisation states that it is “the collective voice of the Muslim world” and works to “safeguard and protect the interests of the Muslim world in the spirit of promoting international peace and harmony“.
The OIC has permanent delegations to the United Nations and the European Union.
