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Topic : India and the Gulf
GS-2 Mains : IR
Revision Notes
The Gulf Region:
- Refers to countries bordering the Persian Gulf.
- Includes: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, UAE.
- Holds vast oil reserves, impacting global economics and politics.
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC):
- Established in 1981.
- Political and economic alliance of six Middle Eastern countries (mentioned above).
- Aims for unity based on shared objectives, Arab and Islamic identity.
- Rotating presidency.
Importance of the Gulf Region for India:
- Energy Security: Major supplier of crude oil and natural gas (35% of India’s oil imports, 70% of gas).
- Remittances: Significant contribution to Indian economy from expatriates working in the Gulf.
- Security Cooperation: Strategically important for India’s security in the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean.
India’s Relations with GCC:
- Strategic Partnership: Major trade and investment partner (GCC is India’s largest regional trading bloc, accounting for 15.8% of total trade in FY2022-23). Strong economic and political ties with all GCC countries, with strategic partnerships with Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Oman.
- Trade Deficit: India heavily reliant on GCC oil and gas imports.
- Defense Relations: Growing momentum, expanding from training to intelligence sharing, counterterrorism, and technological cooperation (AI, electronic warfare, cybersecurity).
Conclusion:
- India’s role as a strategic partner for the Gulf states is likely to increase.
- Managing shared challenges and focusing on growing political, economic, and security interests will be crucial for strengthening India-Gulf relations.
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