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INDIA-WEST ASIA by Atrishekhar - Coggle Diagram
INDIA-WEST ASIA
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’s Stakes in West Asia
India-Qatar Relation
INDIA-ISRAEL
IRAN
SAUD ARABIA
UAE
INDIA-UAE COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT (CEPA)Salient features
Salient features
● Broader FTA with GCC
● Market entry points for africa,ME & europe
● 1 mn new job opportunities
● Automatic registration & market authorization
● Stringent rules of origin
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
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significance
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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.
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:
May 2026 visit
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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.
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.
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.
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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
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BACKGROUND
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INDIA -JORDON
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GEOECONOMIC
Bilateral trade growth: India–Oman trade reached USD 10.613 billion in FY 2024–25. Oman is India’s third-largest export destination among GCC countries.
Trade structure and key goods: India’s imports are dominated by petroleum products and urea (over 70%), along with polymers, pet coke, gypsum, chemicals, iron and steel, and aluminium.
India’s exports to Oman: Exports include mineral fuels, chemicals, precious metals, iron and steel, cereals, ships and boats, electrical machinery, boilers, tea, coffee, spices, and apparel.
Foreign direct investment flows: Cumulative FDI from Oman to India stood at USD 605.57 million (April 2000–March 2025).
Oman–India Joint Investment Fund (OIJIF): The 50–50 SBI–Oman Investment Authority JV has invested USD 600 million, including a USD 300 million tranche announced in 2023.
Digital payments and fintech cooperation: In October 2022, the Central Bank of Oman and NPCI signed an MoU, leading to the launch of RuPay debit cards in Oman and expansion of India’s Digital Public Infrastructure.
India and Oman signed
Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement
with Oman providing duty-free access to 98.08% tariff lines covering 99.38% of India’s exports; deal benefits labor-intensive sectors.
CEPA 2025
Recently, India and Oman signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), in Muscat.
Under this agreement, Oman will grant duty-free access on 98.08% of tariff lines, covering 99.38% of India’s exports to Oman.
India will liberalise tariffs on 77.79% of its tariff lines, covering 94.81% of imports from Oman.
Oman’s strategic location positions it as a hub for: Wider GCC markets; Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and Africa.
Oman already has duty-free access to the US under its FTA, enhancing indirect opportunities.
MARKET ACCESS
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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
signed the bilateral Visa Waiver Agreement for holders of diplomatic, special and official passports, today in Riyadh.
India will soon constitute the India-Saudi Arabia Parliamentary Friendship Group.
Increasing defence exchanges, naval exercises like Al Mohed Al Hindi, and joint land forces exercise Ex-Sada Tanseeq-I held in 2024.
India and Saudi Arabia signed the Bilateral Haj Agreement 2024, allocating a quota of around 1.75 lakh Indian pilgrims.
yoga gained popularity in Saudi Arabia after being recognized as a sports activity in 2017. In 2018, Ms. Nouf Al-Marwaai received the Padma Shri for promoting yoga in Saudi Arabia.
co-develop a "Digital Silk Road", focusing on next-gen financial systems and AI solutions.
Four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between India and Saudi Arabia in the presence of both leaders.
Cooperation in the field of Space by the space agencies of both countries,
Cooperation in the field of Health.
Agreement between NADA and the Saudi anti-doping agency for cooperation in the field of Anti-Doping.
Cooperation in the Inward Surface Parcel between the postal authorities of the countries.
Days after signing a ‘Letter of Intent’ for a Strategic Defence Partnership with the United Arab Emirates, India on Wednesday (January 28, 2026) held a security dialogue with Saudi Arabia. Indian and Saudi senior officials met in the Saudi capital Riyadh, where the two sides carried out a ‘comprehensive review of ongoing security cooperation’ and discussed threats posed by terrorist groups globally and ‘in their respective regions’.
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.”
LATEST
President Ebrahim Raisi's death (helicopter crash, May 2024); Masoud Pezeshkian elected President (July 2024) — signals reformist opening.
Iran-Israel strikes — April 2024 and October 2024 — direct missile attacks.
BRICS expansion (January 2024) — Iran joined.
Red Sea crisis (late 2023-) — Iran-backed Houthi attacks on shipping affected Indian trade; Indian Navy's Operation Sankalp with 12+ ships.
G20 New Delhi (2023) — Iran not invited.
Quad Summit Wilmington (2024) — indirect references.
Russia-Ukraine update — Iran supplied Shahed drones to Russia; complicates India's balancing.
AI Action Summit Paris (2025) — Iran sanctions discouraged participation.
Operation Sindhu Thakur / Ajay style NEOs — India evacuated citizens from Israel during October 2023 escalation.
JCPOA revival stalled; Iran's enrichment levels at near-weapons grade.
Indian Naval Ship visits to Bandar Abbas continue.
Pezeshkian's outreach to India (2024) emphasised Chabahar and INSTC.
Iran leads the Axis of Resistance:
Hezbollah (Lebanon)
Hamas (Gaza) — reportedly some distance after October 2023
Houthis (Yemen)
Popular Mobilisation Forces (Iraq)
Syrian government forces (post-Assad, uncertain)
The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (2015) — between Iran, P5+1 (US, UK, France, Russia, China, Germany) — limited Iran's nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief. Trump withdrew the US in 2018; Iran progressively reduced compliance. Iran's enrichment reached 83% purity in 2023 — near weapons-grade. Revival talks have stalled; Pezeshkian's government has signalled willingness.
For India, the JCPOA matters because:
Its collapse triggered sanctions that ended Iranian oil imports.
A revival would open energy and trade channels.
Nuclear proliferation in West Asia would destabilise the region further.
Energy Security: The “Hormuz Dilemma”
For countries like India and Japan, energy is the most immediate concern.
West Asia + 1 Strategy:
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Shipping Vulnerabilities:
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Economic Shockwaves:
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ndia has remained neutral in the 2026 Iran War, which began on 28 February 2026 when the United States and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran. India condemned strikes on American bases, without mentioning Iran, while facing a domestic energy crisis linked to the conflict following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran.
● 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 de-hyphenated relations between Israel and Palestine
India's balancing with Islamiv west asia and israel
India’s Stand on Israel-Palestine Conflict
India’s position with regard to Palestine was guided by the general consensus in the Arab world, the NAM, and the UN.
India was one of the last non-Muslim states to recognise Israel, it became the first non-Arab state to recognise the PLO.
India stressed that no alternative to the two-state solution can guarantee peace between Israel and Palestine and said that direct negotiations are the only path to peace
Relation with Iran: Israel sees Iran as an existential threat, while India values cooperation for energy supplies and a Chabahar port route to Afghanistan and Central Asia.
Cooperation
● Political - new quad
● Eco - expertise in tech
● Tech R&D, I4F
● Defense & security -
The two countries have co-developed the Barak-8 missile system, and India conducts regular port calls at Haifa, Israel.
India is one of the largest importers of weapons from Israel, contributing to approx 40% of its annual arms exports.
● 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.
dec 2025-adopted a joint working plan to shape bilateral ties in 2026,
India, Israel share ‘policy of zero tolerance’ against terrorism: Jaishankar
Intelligence Fusion
Adopting Israeli models for border management, airport security, and critical infrastructure protection.
Collaboration in developing joint strategies and technologies to combat state-sponsored and non-state cyber warfare, a critical area given the global nature of modern terrorism.
Integrating AI and machine learning into surveillance and predictive threat analysis.
Expanding cooperation to the maritime domain, securing sea lanes, and sharing intelligence on potential terror threats originating from the Indian Ocean region.
Israel recently declared LeT as terrorist group. Will india reciprocate by declaring Hamas as a terroroist organization?
in 2025 ,India and Israel have signed a fresh bilateral investment treaty, making Israel the first OECD country to adopt India’s new investment treaty model.
This replaces the older version of BIT signed between India and Israel in 1996, which was terminated in 2017.
recent BITs signed with Uzbekistan (2024), UAE (2024), and Kyrgyzstan (2025).
Expected to increase bilateral investments, currently worth around USD 800 million.
agreement safeguards investors against the risk of government expropriation or nationalization of assets
Includes an arbitration-based mechanism to settle disputes
India and Israel are strategic partners, with India officially recognizing Israel in 1950. Full diplomatic relations between India and Israel were established in 1992
The Clandestine Beginnings (Post-1992)
Phase 2: Public Partnership and Shared Threat Perception (Post-2008)
Phase 3: Strategic Alignment and Comprehensive Cooperation (Post-2014)
Key Highlights of the 2026 PM Visit
Strategic Elevation & Governance:
Institutional Frameworks: New mechanisms were launched to move policy into action across Government-to-Government (G2G), Business-to-Business (B2B), and People-to-People (P2P) domains.
Parliamentary Ties: Established the India-Israel Parliamentary Friendship Group to deepen legislative cooperation.
New Partnership Level: Both countries officially elevated ties to a “Special Strategic Partnership,” recognizing Israel as a global innovation powerhouse and India as a global hub for talent and manufacturing.
Digital & Financial Integration (Fintech Diplomacy):
UPI-Israel Linkage: In a landmark move, an MOU was signed between NPCI International and Israel’s fast payment system (Masav) to link India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with Israel’s payment system.
This facilitates seamless cross-border transactions for businesses and tourists.
Financial Cybersecurity: Launched a strategic partnership to protect the financial ecosystem through intelligence exchange and joint “cyber-simulations” between national response teams.
Frontier Technologies & Innovation:
Artificial Intelligence (AI): Signed a comprehensive MOU on Cooperation in AI, focusing on the use of AI in education, health, and national welfare.
Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET): Launched a new initiative led by the National Security Advisors (NSAs) to synergize strengths in semiconductors, quantum computing, and biotechnology.
Space Exploration: Strengthened ties between ISRO and the Israel Space Agency (ISA), specifically encouraging Israeli space startups to integrate with the Indian space industry.
I4F & Research Funding: Increased the joint research budget for the India-Israel Joint Research Calls from $1 million to $1.5 million each to boost university-level collaboration.
Labor Mobility & Migration:
Workforce Expansion: Agreed to the arrival of up to 50,000 additional Indian workers in Israel over the next five years.
Sector Diversification: New protocols were signed to expand Indian labor beyond construction and caregiving into Manufacturing, Restaurants, and the Commerce & Services sectors.
High-Skill Mobility: Emphasized creating pathways for Indian professionals in Data Science and High-Tech industries.
Agriculture, Water, and Environment:
Innovation in Farming: Launched the India-Israel Innovation Centre for Agriculture (IINCA) and the Villages of Excellence (VoE) model, which has already trained over one million Indian farmers.
Fisheries & Aquaculture: Established a Joint Centre of Excellence to modernize India’s “Blue Economy.”
Sustainability: Pledged cooperation in Circular Economy practices and the cleaning of the Ganges and other rivers using advanced Israeli water recycling tech.
Defense, Security, and Counter-Terrorism:
Defense Roadmap: Validated the November 2025 MOU on Defense Cooperation, shifting focus toward co-development of advanced platforms.
Cyber Centre of Excellence: Signed a Letter of Intent to establish a dedicated Indo-Israel Centre of Excellence in Cybersecurity in India for capacity building and “Security by Design” principles.
Zero Tolerance for Terror: Both leaders unequivocally condemned the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel, as well as the 2025 terror attacks in Pahalgam and New Delhi, reaffirming a collective resolve against cross-border terrorism.
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.
2025 Qatar Amir visit in india
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.
in 2025 elevate their ties to a “strategic partnership,”
The move aligns Qatar with India’s other strategic Gulf partners such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Kuwait under the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
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.
2025 agreement
Both nations agreed to double bilateral trade from $14 billion to $28 billion in the next five years.
Qatar committed $10 billion in new investments in India, focusing on infrastructure, energy, and technology sectors.
The two sides signed agreements covering economic cooperation, youth affairs, and double taxation avoidance, which are expected to ease business activities and investments.
A major agreement was signed between QatarEnergy and India’s Petronet LNG, extending their LNG supply deal for 20 years—the largest-ever such agreement.
trade
Discussions were held on a potential India-Qatar Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to enhance trade relations by providing mutual market access.
Qatar already has free trade agreements with countries like China, so a similar deal with India could increase trade and investment.
However, India must ensure that an FTA does not lead to dumping of goods by third-party nations via Qatar, which could harm Indian manufacturers.
Its geostrategic location in the Middle East.
Its strong ties with Western powers as well as regional players including Israel and Afghanistan.
Its dominance in the LNG market, serving as a crucial energy supplier to India.
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
Non-tariff barriers and bureaucratic hurdles
Limited Qatari investments in India
diplomatic tensions between Qatar and its Gulf neighbours (such as the past GCC-Qatar rift) could indirectly impact India’s trade interests.
Data/Facts on India-West Asia:
Energy Dependency: In 2025, West Asia accounted for approximately 49% to 55% of India’s total crude oil imports and nearly 70% of its gas.
The Chokepoint: Nearly 40-50% of India’s crude oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz, which is currently facing a naval blockade.
The Diaspora: Over 9 million to 1 crore Indian expatriates live and work in the Gulf, representing one of the largest workforces in the region.
Financial Lifeline: The region contributes roughly 38% of India’s total global remittance inflows (with 19% from UAE alone), vital for foreign exchange stability.
Dependency of India on West Asia:
Energy Security: India relies on the Gulf for over half of its hydrocarbon needs, making it vulnerable to war premiums and supply shocks.
Example: The 2026 conflict has pushed Brent crude prices toward $83-$100 per barrel, threatening to widen India’s Current Account Deficit (CAD).
Remittance Inflow: Millions of Indian households in Kerala, UP, and Bihar depend on monthly transfers from workers in the GCC.
Example: Hostilities in early 2026 have sparked fears of large-scale displacement, which would jeopardize the billions of dollars sent home annually.
Agricultural Export Market: The region is the primary destination for India’s high-value agricultural staples.
Example: In March 2026, over 400,000 tonnes of Basmati rice were reported stuck at ports due to the disruption of trade routes to Saudi Arabia and Iran.
Fertilizer Imports: India imports nearly 40% of its Urea and NPK fertilizers from West Asia, which is critical for its food security.
Example: Logistics bottlenecks in the Gulf are currently threatening to inflate the government’s subsidy burden and cause domestic food inflation.
Economic Reconstruction Partner: India is viewed as a civilizational anchor capable of leading post-war infrastructure rebuilding.
Example: Indian public sector giants like IRCON and ONGC have shelf-ready plans for the Zahedan railway line and Farzad-B gas field in Iran.
Stabilizing Diplomatic Pivot: India is the only major power maintaining a Special Strategic Partnership with Israel while keeping open lines with Tehran.
Example: In March 2026, EAM S. Jaishankar held emergency Hotline calls with both Israel and the Interim Leadership Council in Tehran to negotiate de-escalation.
Human Resource Backbone: The Gulf’s infrastructure, healthcare, and service sectors are structurally dependent on the Indian professional and labor force.
Example: Despite the 2026 war, host governments have actively engaged with New Delhi to ensure Indian workers remain to prevent a total economic collapse.
Maritime Security Provider: The Indian Navy acts as a Net Security Provider for commercial shipping in the Indian Ocean and North Arabian Sea.
Example: Operation Sankalp was institutionalized in 2026 into a permanent escort architecture to protect merchant vessels from regional proxy attacks.
Challenges
The Diplomatic Tightrope: Balancing ties with the US-Israel axis against Iran
Example: India faced severe domestic criticism in March 2026 for its initial silence following the strike on the Iranian leadership.
Chokepoint Vulnerability: Strait of Hormuz
Example: Reports in March 2026 indicate Qatar has declared force majeure on LNG shipments, forcing Indian factories to look for costlier alternatives.
Connectivity Paralysis: Strategic projects like the IMEC (India-Middle East-Europe Corridor) have been rendered non-viable by the war.
Example: Senior officials in March 2026 indicated that a Total War would require an epic rescue effort exceeding the scale of past operations like Rahat.
Evacuation Logistics: The sheer scale of the Indian diaspora
Example: At the February 2026 Munich Security Conference, officials noted that IMEC progress has stalled as regional attention shifted to survival.
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 was 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.
in 2025 -| Russia | 35% | Rosneft, Lukoil, and other non-sanctioned entities |
| Iraq | 23% | Basra Light crude from state-owned refiners |
| Saudi Arabia | 18-20% | Various suppliers including KSA's own refineries |
| United Arab Emirates (UAE) | 8-10% | Efficient logistics and strong trade ties |
| United States | 6-7% | Lighter, sweeter grades from refineries on India's western coast |
| Nigeria and West African Nations | 6-7% |
Diversification and political stability challenges |
Diaspora remittances- There are around 8 to 9 million Indians in West Asia.
According to a UN report on international migration, in 2025, inward remittances MAJORITY from the Gulf into India were WORLD TOTAL 130 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
Increase in Trade Competitiveness
Opportunity to join Trans-African Corridor
It also provides India an alternate transport corridor route for Europe by reducing over dependence on Chabahar Port and INSTC.
It breaks Pakistan’s monopoly over India’s overland connectivity to the West
Strategic engagement with the Arabian Peninsula
Indo-US convergence in Middle East
Promotion of Intra-regional Connectivity
Development of Infrastructure
Increase in Trade and employment opportunities
Expansion of G20 role from purely economic grouping to geo-political grouping-
Reduced geopolitical dependence on Suez Canal and red sea
Normalisation of Diplomatic Relations
Geopolitical Stability in Middle East
Counter to China’s growing geopolitical Influence in Middle East
Counter to Chinese Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)
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.
