Geo-political and Strategic development in west Asia and impact on india

Geopolitically, West Asia is the most important region of the world. The strategic geographical location of the West Asia has made the region from ancient times the centre of world focus among nations and Empires as they tried to control over the trade route to the east. West Asia is an area which is strategically situated at the junction of the three continents of Asia, Europe and Africa. In this way it commands the approaches of these continents. This centrally located region extends from Atlantic coast of North Africa to the Western edges of Central Asia and lies between the southern littoral of the Mediterranean and the north-western shores of the Indian Ocean. Because of its tricontinental location and its central position in the world island, the region has historically been cross road of the world.

The ‘Arab Spring’ of 2011 brought in its wake widespread instability characterized by mass protests, civil wars, widening sectarian schisms, the rise of violent extremism and deep uncertainty about the future of West Asia. The region, with which India Shares civilisation ties, has a special significance for India. It is a critical strategic and economic partner and hosts over 8 million Indians. Any instability in the region also impacts the global economy and geopolitics.

Since 1979, there has hardly been a day when West Asia has not found itself in the throes of serious political and/or economic crises. The year 1979 itself, marking the 1400th year of Islam in the Hijri calendar, witnessed the Islamic Revolution in Iran; the occupation of the Haram Sharif in Mecca; and then the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan at the end of the year. These events—cataclysmic in themselves—unleashed responses from regional and global players that continue to shape West Asian politics to this day.

Global Jihad: Al-Qaeda and ISIS

Here, the recruits were indoctrinated in jihad, trained in arms and subversion, given battle experience and, in some cases, also experienced martyrdom. More importantly, the jihad tasted victory against “godless Communism”, marking the first major Muslim victory against a Western power. Thus, Afghanistan became the nursery of global jihad—ironically, under state sponsorship—and spawned the world’s first transnational jihadi organisation, Al-Qaeda.

In June 2014, ISIS forces captured the town of Mosul, and then large swathes of territory across Iraq and Syria. Al Baghdadi proclaimed this territory to be the Islamic State (IS), which would be a “caliphate”, with him as the anointed caliph. Over the next two years, the IS had a “state” the size of the UK, a Population of about 6–8 million, a standing army of 100,000, a treasury with assets of about a trillion dollars, and most of the institutions of a proto-state.

The two transnational jihadi groups, Al-Qaeda and ISIS, draw their ideology and justifications for their world-view and conduct from Islamic sources, the Koran and the Hadith as well as the various commentaries of scholars over the centuries. Though the interpretations drawn by jihadi ideologues from these sources are disputed by mainstream Islamic scholars, many of whom question the scholarship of the jihadi intellectuals and their competence to represent the Muslim community at large, the fact remains that jihad does represent a major strand of contemporary political Islam.

The Oil Factor in West Asian Affairs

West Asian economics and politics are almost entirely dependent on oil revenues. These revenues provide not only the bulk of the Resources of the oil-producing countries, but also financial support to non-producers in the shape of aid and development assistance, and EMPLOYMENT for their citizens who then send Money home as Remittances.

Oil revenues have kept in place a “social contract” in the oil-producing monarchies in terms of which the ruling family provides the citizenry with security and welfare (for example, employment, educational and Health support, subsidies on essential goods and Services, etc.); and, in turn, the citizens owe their rulers loyalty and obedience. This social contract has worked well for over the last hundred years, and has remained in place despite serious political and economic crises, domestic and regional. In fact, oil revenues provided the Gulf Sheikhdoms with the resources to confront the challenges posed by the Arab Spring by giving their restive citizens doles and other economic benefits.

This comfortable arrangement could now be facing a serious threat. First, the global energy economy is experiencing some important changes. The demand for oil is going down in developed countries due to conservation, efficiency policies, and Climate change sensitivities. Second, the USA, till recently the world’s largest oil importer, has itself become a major producer with shale oil. Third, the global economic slowdown, China’s economic policies focusing on the Quality Of Life rather than manufacture, and lower Growth rates have significantly reduced the demand for oil imports. Finally, some Gulf Sheikhdoms led by Saudi Arabia, are embroiled in military conflicts in Syria and Yemen, and are making expensive purchases of military equipment at a time of severely declining revenues, putting even greater strain on their national exchequers

Impact on india

Indian Foreign Policy engagement in West Asia can be divided into two distinct phases, pre- and post-1991. Prior to 1991 India’s engagement with the region was one of “political distance,” save the heydays of Nasserism, on account of the dynamics of Cold War politics and the fact that India purchased the bulk of its hydrocarbons needs (15-25 percent) from Russia and had nothing substantial to offer to the Arab world: trade, goods, services, technology, or economic assistance. India’s relationship with Israel was frozen due to its pro-Arab and pro-Palestine position.

India’s engagement with the region began to increase and solidify in the early 1990s due to a multitude of factors: the end of the Cold War, the disintegration of Soviet Union, and India’s growing demand for oil and gas due to its accelerated Economic Development and propensity to acquire great power status fuelled by aggressive economic and political nationalism. This set of objectives drew India closer to the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.), the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and Israel — the very same countries around which Indian foreign policy in the region revolves today. Gradually, these countries, along with the United States, have become crucial in realizing India’s great power aspirations, as evidenced by the increasing frequency of visits of Indian leaders to these destinations — visits reciprocated by their counterparts.

Thus, Saudi Arabia not only offset the loss of supply of hydrocarbon products from the erstwhile Soviet Union but also met the Indian market’s increasing demand. In fact, Saudi Arabia gradually emerged as India’s top supplier of crude oil (20%) until 2015, when it was marginally overtaken by Nigeria, as well as an important source of remittances ($8 billion). Israel quickly made inroads into the Indian defense sector, initially as a supplier of spare parts for the mostly Soviet-made Indian defense-related products and later as the third-largest arms supplier (after Russia and the U.S.) to the Indian defense Industry. Furthermore, within the Indian strategic community, Israel is increasingly regarded not just as a “strategic defense partner” but as a “model of counter-terrorism” whose lessons and experiences could be applied to the fight against cross-border terrorism in Kashmir.

Iran, too, occupies an important position in India’s strategic thinking, and for several reasons. First, Iran is a significant source of crude oil, accounting for 6 percent of India’s oil imports in 2015. Second, Iran borders the Strait of Hormuz through which a fifth of the world’s seaborne oil passes. Third, Iran is poised to become India’s “gateway” to Central Asia, Europe and Russia as a result of the future construction of the Ports at Chabahar and Bandar Abbas and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC). Fourth, Iran is a valuable ally in the fight against the Taliban in Afghanistan. Finally, Iran is an emerging regional power with wide-ranging influence in West Asia that could contribute to regional stability. It is for these reasons that India worked assiduously to sustain its relationship with Iran in the face of pressure by the U.S., Israel, and the G.C.C. countries regarding the Iranian nuclear program.

However, it is the G.C.C. countries, particularly in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, which have come to occupy an increasingly important “political space” in Indian strategic thinking. The Gulf Arab states provide 50 percent of Indian crude oil and 85 percent of its natural gas requirements. Collectively, the G.C.C. countries have emerged as India’s largest trade partner. Bilateral trade with the G.C.C. countries reached $150 billion in 2016; trade with the U.A.E. and Saudi Arabia accounted for $60 billion and $39 billion, respectively. In addition, the 7-8 million Indian expatriate workers in the G.C.C. countries generate more than $30 billion in remittances. India is also seeking to tap the G.C.C. countries’ sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) for its domestic Investment and infrastructural development.

West Asia has been in a state of flux for many years, with a number of geopolitical and strategic developments having a significant impact on India. The Arab Spring, the Syrian Civil War, the rise of ISIS, the Iran nuclear deal, the Saudi-Iran rivalry, the Yemeni Civil War, the Rohingya crisis, the Kashmir conflict, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, the US-India strategic PARTNERSHIP, the Indo-Pacific region, the Quad, and the AUKUS pact are all interrelated and have had a major impact on India.

The Arab Spring was a wave of protests and uprisings that swept through the Arab world in 2011. The protests were largely successful in toppling authoritarian regimes in Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya, but they also led to a number of civil wars, including the Syrian Civil War. The Syrian Civil War has been a major source of instability in the region, and it has created a refugee crisis that has spilled over into neighboring countries, including Turkey and Lebanon.

The rise of ISIS is another major development that has had a significant impact on India. ISIS is a Sunni extremist group that has seized control of large parts of Syria and Iraq. The group has carried out a number of terrorist attacks, including the 2015 Paris attacks and the 2016 Brussels attacks. ISIS has also threatened to carry out attacks in India, and the Indian government has taken steps to counter the group’s threat.

The Iran nuclear deal was a major diplomatic achievement that was reached in 2015. The deal was designed to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, and it was supported by the United States, China, Russia, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and the European Union. However, the United States withdrew from the deal in 2018, and it is unclear what will happen to the deal in the future.

The Saudi-Iran rivalry is another major source of instability in the region. The two countries are vying for influence in the region, and they have been supporting opposing sides in the Syrian Civil War and the Yemeni Civil War. The rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran has the potential to escalate into a major conflict, and it is a major concern for India.

The Rohingya crisis is a humanitarian disaster that has drawn international attention. The Rohingya are a Muslim minority group that lives in Myanmar. The Myanmar government has persecuted the Rohingya, and hundreds of thousands of Rohingya have fled to neighboring Bangladesh. The Rohingya crisis has put pressure on India to take in more refugees, and it has strained relations between India and Myanmar.

The Kashmir conflict is a long-running dispute between India and Pakistan. The two countries have fought two wars over Kashmir, and the conflict has the potential to escalate into a major conflict. The Kashmir conflict is a major concern for India, and it is a major obstacle to peace and stability in the region.

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is a major Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE project that is being built by China. The project is designed to connect China to the Arabian Sea, and it is seen as a way for China to expand its influence in the region. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor has raised concerns in India about China’s growing influence in the region.

The US-India strategic partnership is a major development in the Indo-Pacific region. The partnership is designed to counter China’s growing influence in the region, and it has the potential to improve relations between India and the United States. The US-India strategic partnership is a major development for India, and it is seen as a way to counter China’s growing influence in the region.

The Indo-Pacific region is a strategically important region, and it is home to a number of major powers, including China, India, Japan, and the United States. The region is becoming increasingly important as China’s economic and military power grows. The Indo-Pacific region is a major concern for India, and it is a major focus of India’s foreign policy.

The Quad is a security dialogue between India, Japan, Australia, and the United States. The Quad is seen as a way to counter China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region. The Quad is a major development for India, and it is seen as a way to counter China’s growing influence in the region.

The AUKUS pact is a security agreement between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The pact is seen as a way to counter China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region. The AUKUS pact is a major development for India, and it is seen as a way to counter China’s growing influence in the region.

The future of West Asia is uncertain, but it is likely to remain a volatile region with a number of major challenges. India will need to continue to be vigilant and to work with its partners to address the challenges in the region.

What is the geopolitical situation in West Asia?

The geopolitical situation in West Asia is complex and fluid. The region is home to a number of major powers, including Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, as well as a number of smaller states. These powers are often at odds with each other, and the region is a hotbed of conflict.

In recent years, the geopolitical situation in West Asia has been further complicated by the rise of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). ISIS is a Sunni extremist group that has seized control of large parts of Iraq and Syria. The group has carried out a number of terrorist attacks, and has threatened to destabilize the entire region.

The United States and its allies have been fighting ISIS in Iraq and Syria for several years. However, the group remains a potent force, and the conflict in the region is likely to continue for some time.

What is the impact of the geopolitical situation in West Asia on India?

The geopolitical situation in West Asia has a significant impact on India. India is a major importer of oil from the region, and the conflict in West Asia has disrupted oil supplies and caused prices to rise. The conflict has also led to an increase in terrorism in India, as ISIS and other groups have carried out attacks in the country.

In addition, the geopolitical situation in West Asia has complicated India’s relations with its neighbors. India has close ties with Iran, but it is also a member of the US-led coalition fighting ISIS. This has put India in a difficult position, and it has had to walk a fine line between its two allies.

The geopolitical situation in West Asia is likely to continue to have a significant impact on India for many years to come. India will need to carefully manage its relations with its neighbors and with the major powers in the region in order to protect its interests.

What are the major challenges facing India in West Asia?

The major challenges facing India in West Asia are:

The rise of ISIS and other extremist groups
The conflict in Syria and Iraq
The disruption of oil supplies
The increase in terrorism
The complexity of India’s relations with its neighbors

India will need to address these challenges in order to protect its interests in West Asia.

What are the opportunities for India in West Asia?

The opportunities for India in West Asia are:

The growing Indian economy
The need for Energy Security
The need for Infrastructure Development
The need for security cooperation
The need for trade and investment

India can capitalize on these opportunities to expand its influence in West Asia.

What is India’s policy towards West Asia?

India’s policy towards West Asia is based on the following principles:

Respect for Sovereignty and territorial Integrity
Non-interference in internal affairs
Peaceful settlement of disputes
Promotion of economic cooperation
Fight against terrorism

India has close ties with many countries in West Asia, and it is a major player in the region. India’s policy towards West Asia is aimed at promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.

Question 1

Which of the following is not a country in West Asia?

(A) Iran
(B) Iraq
(C) Afghanistan
(D) Turkey

Answer

Question 2

Which of the following is not a major oil producer in West Asia?

(A) Saudi Arabia
(B) Iran
(C) Iraq
(D) Israel

Answer

(D) Israel is not a major oil producer in West Asia. It is a small country with limited oil reserves.

Question 3

Which of the following is not a major geopolitical issue in West Asia?

(A) The Israeli-Palestinian conflict
(B) The Syrian Civil War
(C) The rise of ISIS
(D) The Iran nuclear deal

Answer

(D) The Iran nuclear deal is not a major geopolitical issue in West Asia. It is a diplomatic agreement between Iran and six world powers that was reached in 2015.

Question 4

Which of the following is not a major strategic interest of India in West Asia?

(A) Access to oil and gas
(B) Security of its energy supplies
(C) Countering terrorism
(D) Preventing the spread of nuclear weapons

Answer

(A) Access to oil and gas is not a major strategic interest of India in West Asia. India is a major importer of oil and gas, but it has other sources of supply, such as Russia and Africa.

Question 5

Which of the following is not a major challenge facing India in West Asia?

(A) The rise of ISIS
(B) The Syrian Civil War
(C) The Iran nuclear deal
(D) The Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Answer

(C) The Iran nuclear deal is not a major challenge facing India in West Asia. It is a diplomatic agreement between Iran and six world powers that was reached in 2015.

Question 6

Which of the following is not a major opportunity for India in West Asia?

(A) Investing in infrastructure
(B) Expanding trade
(C) Countering terrorism
(D) Promoting Democracy

Answer

(D) Promoting democracy is not a major opportunity for India in West Asia. Most countries in West Asia are not democracies.

Question 7

Which of the following is not a major threat to India from West Asia?

(A) Terrorism
(B) Nuclear proliferation
(C) Instability
(D) Economic sanctions

Answer

(D) Economic sanctions are not a major threat to India from West Asia. India has strong economic ties with many countries in West Asia.

Question 8

Which of the following is not a major goal of India’s policy in West Asia?

(A) To ensure energy security
(B) To promote peace and stability
(C) To counter terrorism
(D) To promote democracy

Answer

(D) Promoting democracy is not a major goal of India’s policy in West Asia. Most countries in West Asia are not democracies.

Question 9

Which of the following is not a major instrument of India’s policy in West Asia?

(A) Diplomacy
(B) Trade
(C) Military power
(D) Foreign aid

Answer

(C) Military power is not a major instrument of India’s policy in West Asia. India has a small military presence in West Asia.

Question 10

Which of the following is not a major challenge to India’s policy in West Asia?

(A) The rise of ISIS
(B) The Syrian Civil War
(C) The Iran nuclear deal
(D) The Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Answer

(C) The Iran nuclear deal is not a major challenge to India’s policy in West Asia. It is a diplomatic agreement between Iran and six world powers that was reached in 2015.