India can play a key role in linking Middle East ties: Report
New Delhi, Aug 12
India has emerged as a country that is capable of linking the United States, Israel, the UAE and Saudi Arabia with plans for economic corridors, technological partnerships, resilient supply chains, and strategic connectivity in the Middle East region, according to an article in the Jerusalem Post.
It cites the rise of the India-Israel-United Arab Emirates-United States grouping (I2U2), alongside the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) as reflecting this potential.
"For Israel, this evolution represents far more than another diplomatic milestone. It presents an opportunity to anchor itself within a broader strategic framework that brings together Israeli innovation, Gulf investment, American leadership, and India's economic weight," the article observes.
It points out that India enjoys strong ties with Israel, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and other key regional players, which gives the country a distinct strategic advantage.
"As Washington looks for dependable partners to uphold regional stability while reducing its direct military footprint, India has emerged as a trusted actor capable of maintaining strong relationships across political divides without demanding ideological alignment," the article observes.
It highlights that India and Israel have built a partnership that extends well beyond defence procurement, as it encompasses counterterrorism, intelligence sharing, cybersecurity, agriculture, water management, artificial intelligence, space technology, healthcare innovation, and startup ecosystems.
India remains one of Israel's largest defence partners, while Israeli companies increasingly see India's technology sector as a platform for co-development rather than simply another export market, the article states.
Similarly, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia now see India not merely as a major energy consumer but as a long-term strategic partner. India offers one of the world's fastest-growing large economies, an expanding destination for investment, a dependable food-security partner, and a vast pool of skilled professionals who continue to contribute to Gulf economies.
As Riyadh pursues 'Vision 2030' and Abu Dhabi accelerates its ambitions in advanced manufacturing and technology, India's industrial growth offers natural economic complementarity, the article adds.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good to see India's strategic importance being recognized internationally. Our diaspora in the Gulf is huge, and the cultural ties go back centuries. But we need to make sure that as we build these corridors, the benefits actually reach ordinary people, not just big corporations.
The Jerusalem Post acknowledging India's role is huge. India has always maintained a balanced foreign policy - one that doesn't pick sides but builds bridges. In today's complicated world, that's a rare quality. Especially when it comes to balancing relations with Israel and the Arab nations.
As an outsider looking in, India's diplomatic balancing act is impressive. The country has deep ties with Israel, strong relations with the Gulf states, and growing strategic partnership with the US. That isn't easy to pull off. If India can actually link all these players into a meaningful framework, it would be a game-changer.
Finally, India is getting the recognition it deserves on the global stage! 🇮🇳 Our tech sector, skilled workforce, and economic growth make us an ideal partner for everyone. The IMEC corridor is particularly exciting - it could be the modern-day Silk Road.
While this is encouraging, we need to be cautious. Our government often signs big international deals, but domestic issues like unemployment and infrastructure gaps remain unaddressed. We should use these partnerships to bring real technology and investment to India first, then look outward.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.