Do you think india figures prominently in the west asian countries' security and strategic plans? Does developing chabahar port give india strategic advantage in iran and the region? Critically examine.
Answers
West Asia has remained a complex political region. Though being a extended neighbourhood to India, the country doesn't figure in West asian countries security and strategic plans.
FINDING INDIAN PLACE IN WEST ASIA
This is because the Indian relations have been limited only upto economic relations that is crude oil and labour support.
Also, the gulf countries enjoy closer relations to Pakistan which are responsible for the absence of long strategic cooperation.
India has always been reluctant for a military alliance or military cooperation with countries, which makes it a nominal player.
But, the recent defense cooperation agreement with UAE , sharing of data dor hawala transactions may open up a place for a long strategic and security alliance with west asian countries.
THE CHABAHAR STORY
Along with, the signing of agreements another significance lies in the development of chabahar port agreement between Iran and India.
The port would give India direct access to Central asia and help to keep presence in west asia thus giving a strategic advantage in the region.
But the Indian access is limited to a small portion of port. Also, the Persian country has presence of China in most of its infrastructure projects. Alongwith it, Iran still remains under western world scrutiny for its nuclear program. These factors can undermine India's longterm interest in the region.
But the recent emphasis on the extended neighborhood policy is welcome. Thus keeping the same momentum can make India a important player in the war torn region.