The West Asian region is considered as an ‘extended neighbourhood’ in Indian Foreign Policy and strategy. It, therefore, assumes profound salience in India’s geopolitical and geo-economic pursuits in line with its global aspirations under its ‘Extended Neighbouhood Policy’. With the dense diplomatic engagement and political outreach under Prime Minister Narendra Modi the region has become India’s close orbit of strategic partnership and geopolitical interests. India has pursued and maintained an extremely prudent balance of all three regional powers, GCC led by Saudi Arabia, Israel and Iran. The Abraham Accord has facilitated Indian interests to work with GCC Arab countries and Israel with increasing diplomatic ease and convenience in its pursuit of 5 trillion economy vision. The I2U2 platform has been a prudent process for placing India in the growing dynamics of integration of Arab Investment, Israeli innovation and partnership in infrastructure and shared economic progress.
The crisis underway therefore needs a prudent diplomatic navigating and using of its own growing diplomatic clout in the region and beyond to raise its credential of a global power. Indian responses and prudent stances during the course of the crisis shows a profound maturity of a power in consonance with its national interests, regional peace and security as well as global stability for shared benefits of all.
India’s Response to Hamas Attack on Israel
The tweet of Prime Minister Modi in wake of the Hamas attack on 7th Oct 2023 “Deeply shocked by the news of terrorist attacks in Israel. Our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their families. We stand in solidarity with Israel at this difficult hour” demonstrated India’s non-violent tradition and immediate contextual response. With the unfolding of the events and evolving intensity of the crisis, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has put it clearly that “Our policy in this regard has been long-standing and consistent. India has always advocated the resumption of direct negotiations towards establishing a sovereign, independent and viable state of Palestine, living within secure and recognized borders side by side at peace with Israel. There is an universal obligation, I think, to observe international humanitarian law. There is also a global responsibility to fight the menace of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations (MEA October 12, 2023). Prime Minister Modi had also talked to the Israeli Prime Minister, Mr Netanyahu to covey that “people of India stand with the people of Israel in this difficult hour.” He also reiterated that India strongly and unequivocally condemns terrorism.” (MEA October 10, 2023) India’s position has earned appreciation. Speaking to The Indian Express, the Israeli Ambassador to India, Noar Gilon said that India has a special position in the world and appreciated the initial reaction and support of Prime Minister Modi as well as the show of support from officials, minister, civil society and social media platforms. He further added that any help from India for the release of the hostage with hamas is welcome. (Divya October 19, 2023) This marks an extraordinary capacity of India’s strategically balance diplomatic stand and strength in the ever-growing polarized world.
India and its Principled Palestine Policy
Besides, Prime Minister also talked to President Mahmoud Abbas and conveyed deep condolences over the loss of civilian lives at the Al Ahli hospital in Gaza. He expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in the region and reiterated India’s long-standing position on Israel-Palestine issue. (PIB October 19, 2023). India is diplomatically engaged with all the sides and stake holders to reach a diplomatic solution of the conflagration underway and for a lasting peace and security in the region. Prime Minister Modi has condemned the mounting civilian death in the Gaza conflict underway and has reiterated the need of dialogue and diplomacy in the resolution of the conflict. He further emphasised that the Global South must speak in a united voice for greater global good. (PIB November 17, 2023) India remained consistent with its commitment to Palestine and send aid to Palestine. The second contingent of humanitarian has been delivered said the External Affairs Minister (Malhotra, Vani November 19, 2023)
India’s Regional Strategy and Iran Policy
In an effort to prevent escalation of the conflict Prime Minister Modi also talked to the Iranian President and exchanged views on the situation in the region. Both emphasized the need for preventing escalation and an early restoration of peace and stability. Other than multi-facated bilateral relations and regional connectivity, the two leaders expressed their concerns to be in touch given the shared interests in regional peace, security and stability. (PIB November 6, 2023) India must leverage its diplomatic strength towards calming of the present crisis and stable and peaceful West Asia in line with Extended Neighbourhood Policy. The India Foreign Secretary, Mr Vinay Kwatra visited Tehran to participate in the 18th India-Iran Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) and discussed and reviewed whole gamut of bilateral issues between the two countries-political, trade, culture, capacity building and connectivity projects like Chahbahar as well as global and regional issues including Gaza crisis. He met the Iranian Foreign Minister, Mr Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and Deputy Foreign Minister, Dr. Mehdi Safari and shared about the regional and global challenges and strengthening cooperation between the two countries. (MEA 26 November 2023) In the ongoing conflict, Iran is a powerful regional geopolitical actor and India follows the path of diplomatic prudence to sustain its geopolitical interest in this time of flux. Iran equally holds a favourable perception about geopolitical significance of India and its global stature. The Iranian ambassador to India, Iraj Elahi said that India has been bastion of morality and humanity at global stage and a strong voice of the Global South. India has potential to play pivotal role in ending brutalities in Gaza. “The current situation presents a prime opportunity for India to lend its support to the voice of the Global South”, he added. (ANI November 2, 2023)
India’s Diplomatic Navigation through the Crisis
The conflict has thrown difficult situation for India given its relations with Israel, Palestine, Iran and the Arab world. The recent era of rapid and complex geopolitical changes, India has proved its diplomatic ability to navigate prudently as a key player in the international stage pursuing its own national interests-based peace and mutual respect with the power of sustained dialogue and diplomacy. The strategic position of India enables it to engage with various power blocks and therefore place it as a potential mediator to bring parties to peace and security.(PTI November 26 2023) The Indian leadership is in constant touch with the leaders in the region and beyond to prevent escalation, for continued humanitarian aid and earliest restoration of peace and stability and a negotiated Two-State solution through dialogue and diplomacy. (Statement November 28, 2023). In a bold balancing diplomatic move, India voted in favour of UNGA Resolution demanding Israel’s withdrawal from all Golan to the line of 4th June 1967. The Resolution emphasized “that continued occupation of Syrian Golan and its de facto annexation constitute a stumbling block in the way of achieving a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the region”. (TOI-PTI November 29, 2023)
The prudent maneuver of Indian diplomacy has established it as a powerful player at the global stage and shaper of global perspective and processes. India’s G20 Presidency has played profound role in revitalizing multilateralism and increasing participation of the Global South. Its emphasis on reform in global institutions towards an equitable global order has spurred its global standing. Prime Minister Modi put it clearly that “Terrorism and senseless killing of civilians are unacceptable, and we must address them with a policy of zero tolerance. We must embody humanitarian over hostility and reiterate that this is not an era of war”. (PTI November 30, 2023) Like our position in the Ukraine crisis, India would manage to pass through this vicissitude of the current crisis in its extended neighbourhood of West Asia.
IMEC: Implications and challenges
The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) is signed during the G20 Summit is a multi-modal economic corridor between India and Europe through West Asia. It incorporates a network of roadways, railways, shipping as well as electricity cables, high speed data cables and a hydrogen pipeline. The project is an outcome of major connectivity project across theses three regions- South Asia, West Asia and Europe for a shared economic progress. The project is a win win for all its stake holders. But the evolving Gaza crisis is the manifestation of its complex geopolitical challenge. (ToI November 15, 2023). The ambitious geo-economic and geo-strategic project is the signature project of the rising India. The conflict has cast its shadow over its viability and possible cooperation of the parties who are now assuming very opposing position on the conflict, its nature and possible outcomes. But given the experience of India’s position on Ukraine and managing the conflicting parties- Russia and US and the West at large, it seems plausible that India can manage the requisite diplomatic juggling through the conflict. The project suits the geo-economic interests of all the parties and and would serve also as geopolitical interest in the aftermath of the conflict. Given the all-encompassing geo-economic interests the IMEC is going to retain its relevance. It is surely going to be delayed but would most probably succeed in attaining its goals despite the conflict. (Sharma November 19, 2023). The profound economic incentives involved, would make it survive.
Indian Responses to the Houthi Attacks at Bab al Mandab and Red Sea
The Houthi attack on the container ships and oil cargoes has caused tremendous disruption of the maritime trade between Asia and Europe and entails multifarious implications for global trade and economy. The syndrome is the manifestation of the Iran- Israel rivalry in the region and Iran’s opposition to the West at large. It is bound to have implications for India- economically as well as strategically. The attacks on Indian ships and tankers has attracted a well assessed strategy and response. As per the US Central Command, the Houthis carried out the attack on MV Sai Baba in the Red Sea on 24th December, while the oil tanker, M V Chem Pluto was allegedly hit by a drone launched from Iran. (Dutta & Rajput 2023 December 25) India maintains its strategic prudence by having its own investigation and assessment. The Indian Navy has stepped up its strategic vigilance operation in the Arabian Sea. The presence of warships has been increased and the air surveillance enhanced in order to ensure safe and secure maritime passage and activities. The Indian navy has deployed multiple guided Missile Destroyers, INS Kochi, INS Kolkata and INS Mormugao in the region as a presence of deterrence. Besides, the Offshore Patrol vessel, Vikram and Coast Guard Dornier Maritime Surveillance aircraft have also been pressed into action. (ET 2023 December 27)
The United States has put in place a multinational security force under Combined Maritime Force focusing on security in the Red Sea called ‘Operation Prosperity Guardian’ with the goal of ensuring freedom of navigation for all countries and bolstering regional security and prosperity. (DoD 2023 December 18) Given the complex and intractable nature of the geopolitical conflict in West Asia and the precarious security balance, it is of utmost importance that India maintains its strategic neutrality and remains determined to ensure its interests in the region as well. India has prudently chosen not to join the US-led ‘Operation Prosperity Guardian’ and beefed up its own naval assets and maritime security apparatus in the region with a firm stand. The Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has put it strongly that those responsible for the attacks on the Indian Ships and Tankers will be found out even from the bottom of the sea and vowed severe action. (Pubby 2023 December 26) India pursues its interests with pragmatic political and diplomatic channels by engaging with all the centers of powers and partners in the region. Prime Minister Modi exchanged views on the current situation in the region with the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia over telephone. The Prime Minister re-iterated India’s principled position on Palestine, discussed and agreed to work together for peace, security and stability in the region. (PIB 2023 December 26)
Indian geopolitical Imperative and Strategic prudence
The profound geopolitical imperatives of India in the region makes it an urgent strategic necessity to push for an immediate peace and a sustainable regional security to pursue its national interests in consonance with its economic vision and global aspirations. With every passing day, the crisis is turning the world more and more polarized. Given the yawning contested stands and approaches of the regional and global powers the peace and security of this strategic region requires application of geopolitical prudence by one and all. The cessation of the dangerously spiraling conflict by declaring ceasefire is an immediate necessity. In such a contiguous region, security of one country is integrated with security of others. The element and factors of threats travel faster. The actions of all- regional and global powers must be in line with the emerging syndrome of multi-polar world. Any unilateral action without consideration of interests of others may push the region into an inextricable quagmire. The voices and aspirations of the Global South must find consideration for a durable peace. The West and United States must give serious consideration to the changing geopolitical trends in the region and the world to serve its interest in the emerging World Order.
With pangs of pandemic reverses and geo-economic implications of the ongoing Ukraine war, the world is not capable to bear the burden of another war. Escalation will be a disaster for the entire world. War never solves rather further complicates the existing. Ceasefire and multilateral and broad-based peace conference is an urgent need of the hour for a sustainable solution, regional peace and global security. The crisis must be viewed with the rise of competitor powers in the region and the world to the US policy in the region and the world. With the increasing assertion of Iran, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey and growing engagement of the global powers like China, Russia and India one thing is clear that not only Gaza but the region and the world will not be the same again. An expected geopolitical future is a multipolar West Asia and a greater multipolar world. India needs a constant and agile political and diplomatic engagement towards de-escalation and sustainable and comprehensive peace in the region. India must leverage its influence to be a credible power and partner in the region in the emerging multipolar global geopolitical order.
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