20 India-West Asia Relations

Dr. Ashok Attri

Structure of the Module

1. Introduction

2. Objectives

3. Historical Evolution

3.1. Period of Friendship

3.2. Period of Assessing Each Other

3.3. Change towards Cordial Ties

3.4 Period of New Cold War and Changing Parameters

3.5. Post Cold War Period and Continuity in Relationship

3.6. Drastic Changes with Contradictions

4. Conclusion

5. Important Questions

6. Suggested Readings

1. Introduction

The ‘West Asia’ has remained an area of high priority for India due to historical, political, cultural, geographical and economic reasons. The latter has had strong historical contacts with a number of countries in this region, like Iraq, Iran, and Egypt. In pre-independence phase, India and the countries of West Asia had also shown some common understanding on the issue of nationalist moments. Congress of Oppressed Nationalities in ‘Brussels Conference (1927)’ and Nehru’s idea of ‘Pan-Asiatic Federation (1930)’ had brought India and these countries in close contacts. Besides, delegations from Tunisia, Egypt and Palestine attended the annual Congress sessions throughout the 1930s and later. The Indian National Congress coordinated with fellow Nationalist organisations in Egypt, Iraq, Turkey, Lebanon and Syria and lent them a helping hand. All these initiatives reflected the historically close ties between India and the West Asia.

The post ‘Second World War’ period had seen the emergence of new countries on the world’s stage. With most potential source of energy, fragile political institutions and strategic power game had created stresses in entire West Asia. With the ongoing nation-building activities combined with global politics had created complex situation in international relations as well. All the countries started to rethink about their foreign policy in a new framework. Hence, for a realistic understanding of interactions between India and these countries, it will be better to analyse these relationships in this background.

2. Objectives

Through this module an effort will be made to apprise the students about the real nature of India’s West Asia policy. It is a well known fact that a country’s foreign policy does not evolve all of a sudden rather it is a product of numerous factors and forces. Bilateral ties between India and the countries of West Asia are no exception to this phenomenon. Therefore, it becomes imperative to understand and evaluate the historical perspective about the origin of their relationship. Besides, this is also important to know about the issues of convergences and divergences in these years. By doing so, one can analyze the real nature of India’s relations with the countries of West Asia. This will not only prove beneficial for the students, but foreign policy architects and strategists could also use basic clues in policy formulation.

3. Historical Evolution

India and West Asia have great civilization contacts in history, as Indus Valley civilization and Mesopotamia civilization and the Nile Delta civilization in Egypt were not stranger to each other at that time. From the advent of Islam to British period, these contacts were further groomed and became richer and deeper. In pre-independence period, Nehru participated in the Congress of Oppressed Nationalities with his idea of Pan-Asiatic Federation. These were the clues of close affinity between the nationalist organizations in Asia. These efforts brought the leaders of freedom struggle in these countries altogether. The ‘Khilafat movement’ and the wide response it evoked in Indian freedom struggle, served to bring India and these countries of West Asia closer. Besides, as we mentioned earlier delegations from Tunisia, Egypt and Palestine attended the annual Congress sessions throughout the 1930s and later. The Indian National Congress coordinated with fellow Asian Nationalist organisations and lent them a helping hand. All these initiatives reflected the historically close ties between India and the West Asia.

It is significant to note that these contacts gave the birth of idea of non-alignment in post ‘Second World War’ period. Although all the sovereign states were settling their objectives on the bases of their own national interests, but the idea of non-alignment made these countries very comfortable in contemporary politics. With this understanding of the brief history of relations between India and the countries of West Asia, it was certain that both India and these countries would start positively in mutual ties in post Second World War period. The West Asia was still important due to numerous reasons in this changed scenario. The five broad reasons which compelled India for cordial relations with West Asia are as under:

Geographical proximity and its direct bearings. Demographic assimilation and its impact.

Political happenings and their implications.

Convergence on the major issues of International politics. Changed regional economic scenario.

These are the vital objectives which made India more dynamic towards West Asia at foreign policy front after its independence. But as earlier discussed that a country’s foreign policy does not evolve all of a sudden rather it is a product of numerous factors and forces. Bilateral ties between India and the countries of West Asia are no exception to this phenomenon. An in-depth study of bilateral ties might be analyzed by keeping this clue in the mind. This study is divided in the following parts according to different changes occurred time to time:- (i) Period of Friendship (1947-1961). (ii) Period of Assessing Each Other (1962-1971). (iii) Change towards Cordial Ties (1972-1978). (iv) Period of New Cold War and Changing Parameters (1979-1991). (v) Post Cold War Period and Continuity in Relationship (1992-1999). (vi) Drastic Changes with Contradictions (2000 Onwards)

3.1. Period of Friendship

India’s relation with the counties began with mutual respect and understanding in this period. The reasons behind this were domestic as well as International milieu. In post Second World War period, a new type of World Politics emerged. Cold War had begun at World stage due to bi-polar policies of two superpowers, USA and Soviet Union. It had created a complicated situation for newer sovereign states like India and the countries of West Asia. India had adopted the policy of non-alignment with its inception. It was based on the principles of anti-colonialism, anti-racialism and firm support to the national movement in newer states. Besides, India was against the role of military blocks in international relations. This policy paid dividends as India not only improved its relations with Egypt, Syria, Iran, Iraq and Saudi Arabia but also found success to contain nefarious activities of country like Pakistan. The latter was trying hard to take benefits after becoming member of military blocks like CENTO or SEATO. India and the countries of West Asia showed much cordial understanding on contemporary issues in this period and developed better ties in political, economic and strategic spheres.

India was the firm believer of all-Arab unity, as reflected in its policy towards ‘Palestine movement.’ The former had rejected the creation of separate Jewish state in Palestine voted against U. N. S. C. O. P.’s plan of creating separate state of Israel. India voted against the entry of Israel to United Nations in 1949. India had not only been maintaining its stand of return the ‘Palestine refugees’ to their home in wake of the Israeli occupation at their territories since then but also provided financial contribution to them.

Besides, Nehru’s personal chemistry with the top leader of Arab World like Nassir of Egypt had also created the common understanding on the emerging issues. This convergence further consolidated on the issues of ‘Palestine movement’ ‘Suez War’ and ‘Algeria’s self-determination’.

Most of the countries in West Asia are Islamic states, but never emphasized on any pan-movements. Nassir in Egypt, Shah in Iran and Saudi leadership were against any type of revival of Islam on fundamentalist approach in their respective countries. On the other hand, although India declared itself as secular state by constitution, but never took anti-Muslim stand due to its demographic compulsion. In Arab-Israel conflict India always took stand in favor of Arab world in UN and other platforms. Besides, India played an active and constructive role on the issues of ‘Palestine movement’ ‘Suez War’ and ‘Algeria’s self-determination’. Entire Arab world, greatly appreciated Indian approach in these matters. All these initiatives created an environment of cordial relations between India and West Asia.

3.2. Period of Assessing Each Other

India’s policy towards West Asia had faced the challenging situation in this second phase. India fought three wars (1962, 1965 and 1971) with its neighbors whereas Arab-Israel war (1967) proved to be the litmus test for mutual relations. India faced an embracing situation as few Arab countries including Egypt remained silent on Sino-Indian war. In the Indo-Pak wars, situation became more critical when most of the Arab countries openly supported Pakistan. India found itself in an isolated situation in West Asia. On the question of Bangladesh, Arab World criticized Indian approach and took stand in favor of Pakistan. These happenings brought the Indo-West Asian ties down to lowest level ever.

In the Arab-Israel war (1967), India’s stand remained in favor of Arab World despite their arrogance in earlier stages. India had not only opposed Israel but also took part actively in ‘Peace-keeping forces’ for maintaining peace in this fragile region. India extended its support to Arab World and expressed desire to participate in the Islamic Summit (1969), but it was not allowed to participate in it due to undesirable reasons. This situation brought a setback to India’s initiatives in this region and created some distance between bilateral ties.

India’s support towards West Asia remained unconditional despite ups and downs in their relations in this period. This relationship never reached in the situation of deadlock due to convergence on wide range of issues and common approach on these in this period.

3.3. Change towards Cordial Ties

This period had witnessed the drastic changes in this region. This had direct bearings on India-West Asia ties. They had to change their outlook in their foreign policies also.

Arab-Israel war (1973) had changed the entire parameters of International relations. Due to external powers intervention, this war had transformed into a regional war. The role of ‘Pakistan’ in this war was a bit dubious in West Asian perception. In this situation, India became an ultimate choice for Arab countries due to its non-aligned posture.

It is significant to noet that nonalignment had the roots in India-West Asian friendship. By the beginning of the 1970s, nonalignment movement had established its relevance in the power politics. Arab-Israel war (1973) had brought the countries of West Asia closer to this policy of positive neutrality in international relations.

Oil game had already been started with the Arab-Israel war (1973) in this region. The countries of West Asia had also started to use ‘oil’ as political weapon. It had the direct bearing on India’s foreign economic policy, as it is heavily dependent on the imports from this region. Energy needs demanded more constructive policy from Indian side. It made India to follow more consist policy towards West Asia.

With the death of President Nasser in 1970, regional politic in West Asia took a new dimension. Arab Nationalism was pushed behind the curtain, and Islamic ideology came to the fore by the active policies of Saudi Arabia. It again forced India to change its policy towards West Asia. India made efforts to cultivate its ties with all the countries. Economic initiatives replaced the political contents in bilateral relations between India and these countries of Western Asia. India had adopted long term strategies to nugget the negative fallouts on the import of oil and its politics. Besides, India made efforts bilaterally as well as on multilateral level to manage trade balances.

India and Iran agreed to diversify its trade according to demand at bilateral level in these years. The same was also sought to be achieved by signing treaty of trade with Egypt. India-Egypt-Yugoslavia Triangle was also proving beneficial in this direction. All these three countries renewed their partnership treaty in the years of 1973 and 1978 continuously. India had also developed its economic ties with Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Libya in this decade. India and these countries had started to collaborate in joint industrial undertakings, service sector, advisory services and payment based on easy lines.

The decade of 1970s had witnessed these trends in India’s policy towards West Asia. Despite the changed strategic scenario, India had managed to remain active in this region. India and most of the countries of West Asia established good bilateral relations in political, economic and cultural spheres.

3.4 Period of New Cold War and Changing Parameters

Soviet intervention in Afghanistan (1979) had changed all the parameters of international relationship. It brought the ‘New Cold War’ very next doorstep to India. India and West Asia ties had also serious implications of this sudden strategic environment. Besides, in Iran, fundamentalist Islam came to forefront after Shah Regime. Iran-Iraq war further aggravated the critical situation in West Asia in the decade of 1980s. All these happenings had great ramifications for India’s policy towards West Asia.

‘New Cold War’ had started with the Soviet intervention in Afghanistan (1979). On the other hand, United States of America had actively participated in West Asia through regional grouping. G.C.C. and R.D.F. became the centre of attraction for US policy makers. Besides, it had also strengthened its military position at its base camp of Basraa, Oman and Deigo Garsia. This strategic scenario reduced the India’s policy options to the minimal.

This changed scenario had provided the Pakistan a new role of strategic partner of USA in this region. With active role of US, Pakistan also became the partner of GCC and RDF. Pakistan established its economic and military ties with the countries of these organisations and USA. Pakistan emerged as the key partner of USA in this strategic battlefield. India’s policy towards West Asia again found no space in this changed scenario. This made India again rethink about its policy options. It used political and economic diplomacy to make some road in West Asia. Besides, India had also made efforts to improve its relations with USA and Pakistan.

India is heavily dependent on the import of oil from West Asia to fulfil its energy needs. Any strategic change and fragile scenario in West Asia has direct bearings on India’s interests. This compels India to always look towards peace and stability there for smooth transaction of oil. Besides, these countries have the huge money from oil export, cordial relations will pay the way for foreign direct Investment (FDI). Hence, India always makes efforts to strengthen their ties with these countries.

India’s objective also lies here due to huge strength of Indians residing in West Asia. Total strength of Indian engineers, doctors, nurses, advisors and labours is approximately 20 lacks, working there in 1994. They were sending approximately values of Rs. 7800 crores foreign currencies to India every year according to annual report of 1994-1995. It again made India to secure their citizens there. Hence, India’s foreign policy has always been busy in strengthening its relations with the countries of West Asia.

India faced some challenging task in West Asia during this period. But India’s diplomacy found some success to retain its lost ground in wake of Pakistan’s emergence as key ally of United States of America after Soviet intervention in Afghanistan. India not only strengthened ties country wise but also gave more attention to economic interactions. All these efforts of India paid the way for continuity in their relations.

3.5. Post Cold War Period and Continuity in Relationship

With the demise of Soviet Union and end of ‘Cold War’, International relations had once again seen drastic changes. India’s relations with the countries of West Asia were no more exception to it. It had to work from fresh outlook in its foreign policy. India had to face many situations in the beginning of the decade of 1990s.

The end of Cold War with the demise of erstwhile Soviet Union had changed the basic parameters of International Politics. Peace process had also started between Israel and Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO) in West Asia with the direct initiatives taken by USA. Both the sides agreed for peaceful settlement of this problem till 1998. As earlier discussed, stable West Asia has been India’s prime objective since the oil game started. This peace process had also provided India an opportunity to strengthen political, economic and strategic ties with West Asia.

The demise of USSR had also given birth to the idea of ‘New World Order’ in which United States of America as sole superpower would influence the International Politics. The ‘Gulf war’ proved these assumptions right when US led NATO forces took offensive against Iraq. Israel, and even some Arab countries including Saudi Arabia, took part in this war from same side of US led forces. India found this situation very critical as reflected form contradictory approach at domestic level. In political uncertainty, Minority government decided to give permission to US fighter planes for refuelling from Bombay, but it had to take back track with the withdrawal of permission under the domestic pressure. This gave a big setback to India’s regional aspirations.

The demise of Soviet Union gave birth to new entities on ‘World stage’ including the countries of ‘Central Asia’. In all the five republics-Kazakistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tazakistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, majority of people had the belief in the religion of ‘Islam’. The countries of ‘West Asia’ had started to access this region on the bases of Islamic fraternity. This gave the rise of competitive-influence-building activities in this region. Besides, these countries had the rich potential in natural resources, other external powers’ like USA, Russia and China also got engaged with this region. This strategic scenario had the direct bearing on India’s foreign policy. In the absence of direct transport access, India had to collaboration with the likeminded countries in West Asia like Iran, Oman and Turkey, to get access in this region. North-South corridor and the use of Iranian Ports, Banndar Abbas and Chhabbar, for trade facility were the true examples of changed India’s foreign policy.

India was also adopting changed economic process of open market and foreign direct investment in the light of globalisation. It had made efforts to remove barriers in economic interactions. Besides, India had signed bilateral trade treaties with Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Iran, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and UAE to explore available opportunities. India focussed on the export to these countries for balance of trade, as India found it in against due to oil import. India wanted to attract ‘Petro-Dollar’ as FDI in Indian market; hence, it was ready to provide all types of facilities to the investors of these countries. Total trade between India and these countries was of Rs. 20,206 crore that increased up to Rs. 25,000 crore in the very next financial year of 1994-95. In the year of 1999-2000, India’s imports from West Asia was of Rs. 1312640 lacks and export reached Rs. 1796,817 lacks, total trade of Rs. 31,09,457 lacks. It showed some decline from the previous financial year of 1998-1999 as total trade was of Rs. 44, 93,577 lacks with the import of Rs. 28, 99,377 lacks and export of Rs. 15, 94,190.

3.6. Drastic Changes with Contradictions

India’s policy towards West Asia in the 21st century had witnessed drastic changes. Terrorist attack on US trade tower, US retaliation and war against terror in Afghanistan, War against Iraq and demise of Sadaam Husain and Syrian crises and emergence of much talked ISIS were the key issues that demanded the constructive response from India’s foreign policy.

On the issue of disarmament, and chemical weapons, US and its allies invaded Iraq in 2003. India’s response was a bit of ambiguous. Although, India had already signed UN resolution of disarming and for the search of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq in 2002. But India remained reluctant on US demand of sending army to Iraq due to internal pressure. After the demise of Sadaam Husain, India not only supported all the UN resolutions regarding Iraq, but also provided economic assistance of $ 20 million dollars for reconstruction activities in this country.

West Asia has been remaining an area of priority in India’s foreign policy since its inception. But there was no space for Israel in it, due to India’s internal dynamics. It had opposed the UN resolution of the partition of Palestine on the basis of religion in 1948. India had been a great supporter of Arab world since then. But in the decade of 1990s, the ice started to melt down with Israel- P.L.O. peace agreement. India established its full diplomatic relations with Israel in 1992. After that, there was a great deal of reciprocal visits between the two but could not reach on desirable height due to political constraints. It was the period of N.D.A government led by AB Vajpayee, when some serious initiatives were taken to improve ties with Israel. India’s relations with Israel have been expanding since then rapidly. Its Prime Minister visited India in 2003. Agreements were signed in the areas of defence, agriculture, trade and security related issues. India launched an Israeli spy satellite into orbit from its space station. Besides, Israel has also expressed interests in participating in India’s Chandrayaan Mission to moon. Israel is India’s second largest arms supplier at present. Both India and Israel share intelligence and counter-terrorist tactics in these years. India is regarded as Israel’s strongest ally in Asia in 21st century.

After the demise of Sadaam Husain, it was assumed that peace and stability would be settled in entire West Asia. But, it remained a miracle, as Syrian crises emerged on the fore. UN sanctions against Syria on the issue of chemical weapons, once again alarmed the bell of danger. US led forces under the UN flag took the offensive against Syria, but could not settle the issue due to ambiguous role of other stakeholders. And sudden emergence of Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) made the strategic situation more complicated. All these happenings have the great impact not only on West Asia but also on global politics. For India, this situation was not new, it has been working according to its national interests since then. It vacated the Indian nationals from war-torn area of Iraq with success. New regime under Narendra Modi is trying to access this region with more constructive and long term policies.

India’s trade with West Asia is showing bright picture in trade activities in the 21st century. Total trade between India and the countries of West Asia was of Rs. 31, 09, 457 lacks in the financial year of 1999-2000. It reached all time high in the financial year of 2013-2014 with total trade of Rs. 11, 82, 81, 809 lacks with the import of Rs. 8, 11, 67, 305 lacks and export of Rs. 3, 71, 14, 504 lacks. Although trade data shows the huge trade imbalance against India, the only reason is energy import, as India is the second largest energy importer (oil) from West Asia.

4. Conclusion

India and West Asia enjoy strong cultural and economic ties. India is the largest importer of raw oil from there. A large number of Indians are engaging here in various economic activities in West Asia. Demographic assimilation, strategic location and energy potentials make this region important in India’s outlook all the time. Therefore, India has been expanding its area of interaction with all the countries despite odd situation occurring at time to time. India has been a true supporter of Arab World in its rivalry against Israel in post Second World War period. It improved its relations with all the countries of West Asia. Despite the active efforts of Pakistan, India remained an important player in this region. In the post Cold war period, economic alignment replaced the political one. Hence, despite the communality in wide range of issues among the countries of West Asia, national interests will remain the key objectives for every state. For India, country wise relations and economic collaboration is likely to remain the key instrument of India’s Foreign policy in enhancing possibilities in this region.

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Suggested Readings

a) Books/Articles

R.S.Yadav & Suresh Dhanda, eds., India’s Foreign Policy: ContemporaryTrends, New Delhi, Shipra, 2009.
R.S.Yadav, Bharat Ki Videsh Niti, New Delhi, Pearson, 2013.
C.Raja Mohan, Crossing the Rubicon: The Shaping of India’s Foreign Policy, New Delhi, Penguin/Viking, 1993.
Kanti Bajpai & Harsh Pant, eds., India’s Foreign Policy: A Reader, New Delhi, Oxford, 2013.
Stephan Cohen, India: Emerging Power, Washington, D.C., Brookings, 1993.
Amitabh Matto & Happymoon Jacob, Shaping India’s Foreign Policy, New Delhi, Har-Anand, 2010.
Rajiv Sikri, Challenges and Strategy: Rethinking India’s Foreign policy, New Delhi, Sage, 2014.
Summit Ganguly, ed., India’s Foreign Policy: Retrospect and Prospect, New Delhi, Oxford, 2010.
V.P.Dutt, India’s Foreign Policy in a Changing World, New Delhi, Vikash Publishing House, 1999.
Muchkund Dubey, India’s Foreign policy: Coping With The Changing World, New Delhi, Pearson, 2012.
Ramesh Thakur, Politics and Economics of India’s Foreign Policy, New Delhi, Oxford, 1994.
Lalit Mansingh, et al, eds., Indian Foreign Policy: Agenda for the 21st Century, New Delhi, Konark, 1998. ( 2 Vols.).
Appadorai and M.S.Rajan, India;s Foreign Policy and Relations, New Delhi, South Asian Publishers, 1985.

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