INDIA & WEST ASIA-2

1.  FACULTY NAME:  KANHAIYA JHA  BATCH NAME:  UPSC - N-24  SUBJECT:  INTETRNATIONAL RELATION  TOPIC NAME:  INDIA & WEST ASIA-2  DATE :  18/10/23

2. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE WESTASIA REGION TO INDIA • Energy Resources: • West Asia is a major source of India's energy resources, particularly oil and natural gas. India is heavily dependent on oil imports to meet its energy needs, and a significant portion of this oil comes from countries in the Gulf region, such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates. Ensuring a stable and reliable supply of energy resources is crucial for India's economic growth. • Remittances: • A significant number of Indian expatriates live and work in West Asian countries. They send remittances back to India, which contributes to the Indian economy. These remittances have a positive impact on the livelihoods of families in India. • Economic Relations: • India has developed strong economic ties with West Asian countries, particularly those in the Gulf region. These nations are important trading partners for India, and they provide opportunities for Indian businesses in various sectors, including construction, infrastructure development, IT services, and healthcare.

4. • Counterterrorism and Security Cooperation: • West Asia has been a hotbed of terrorism and instability. India has a vested interest in collaborating with West Asian nations to counter terrorism and maintain regional security. This collaboration includes intelligence-sharing and efforts to combat radicalization and terrorism. • Geopolitical Significance: • West Asia is strategically important due to its location at the crossroads of Asia, Africa, and Europe. India's engagement in West Asia allows it to play a more influential role in global geopolitics and gain support for its diplomatic initiatives, such as its quest for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. • Cultural and Religious Ties: • West Asia is home to several holy sites important to various religions, including Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. India has a significant population of people who follow these faiths, and the historical and cultural connections between India and West Asia have contributed to a deepening of ties. • Diaspora and People-to-People Relations: • The Indian diaspora in West Asia is substantial and plays an essential role in strengthening India's relations with the region. These people-to-people connections facilitate cultural exchanges and contribute to stronger diplomatic and economic ties. • Regional Stability: • India has a vested interest in the stability and security of the West Asian region. Instability in West Asia can have a direct impact on India's energy supplies and overall security. Therefore, India works to promote peace and stability in the region through diplomatic means and multilateral forums.

5. India-Middle East-Europe Corridor • During the 18thG20 summit held at Delhi the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) Project was signed. • The project forms part of the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII). • The proposed IMEC will consist of Railroad, Ship-to-Rail networks and Road transport routes extending across two corridors, that is, • The East Corridor – connecting India to the Arabian Gulf, • The Northern Corridor – connecting the Gulf to Europe. • The IMEC corridor will also include an electricity cable, a hydrogen pipeline and a high- speed data cable.

6. • Signatories: • India, the US, Saudi Arabia, UAE, the European Union, Italy, France, and Germany. • Ports to be Connected: • India: Mundra (Gujarat), Kandla (Gujarat), and Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (Navi Mumbai). • Middle East: Fujairah, Jebel Ali, and Abu Dhabi in the UAE as well as Dammam and Ras Al Khair ports in Saudi Arabia. • Railway line will connect Fujairah port (UAE) to Haifa port (Israel) via: Saudi Arabia (Ghuwaifat and Haradh) and Jordan. • Israel: Haifa port. • Europe: Piraeus port in Greece, Messina in South Italy, and Marseille in France.

7. India- Israel relation • Since the 1990s, India and Israel have developed a strong relationship encompassing economics, the military, and politics. • India formally recognised Israel on September 17, 1950. Soon thereafter, the Jewish Agency established an immigration office in Bombay. This was later converted into a Trade Office and subsequently into a Consulate. • Since the upgradation of relations in 1992, defence and agriculture have been the main pillars of bilateral engagement. In recent years, ties have expanded to areas such as S&T, education and security. • Currently, India is Israel's one of the leading importers of military equipment. Both countries are active members of the I2U2 Group, formed to foster collaboration and strengthen their ties.

8. Timeline of India Israel Relations India had voted against partitioning Palestine at the UN, rejecting the notion of two nations based on religious criteria. • 1947 • • 1950 1992 India recognized the existence of Israel. Established full diplomatic relations. A paradigm shift in India-Israel ties: • Indian Prime Minister’s state visit to Israel, becoming the first Indian prime minister to do so. • The two countries have since elevated their ties to a strategic partnership. • 2017 India voted in favour of a resolution brought by Turkey and Yemen in the UN opposing the US' decision recognising Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. • 2018 India abstained on the resolution that calls on the UN Human Rights Council to set up a permanent commission to probe human rights violations in Gaza, West Bank and Palestine. • 2021

9. • Political Relations: • Political ties between the two countries are friendly.Increased high-level exchanges and ministerial visits on both sides have expanded cooperation in different functional areas. • Economic and Commercial ties: • The bilateral merchandise trade grew from USD 200 million in 1992 to USD 10.1 billion (excluding defence) during the FY 2022-2023, with the balance of trade being in India’s favour. • India is Israel's third-largest trade partner in Asia and seventh-largest globally. • Key Indian exports to Israel: • Pearls, precious stones, automotive diesel, chemicals, machinery, electrical equipment, plastics, textiles, metals, and agricultural products. • Israel's major exports to India: • Pearls, precious stones, chemicals, machinery, electrical equipment, petroleum oils, defence-related goods, and transportation equipment.

12. • I2U2: Founded in 2021 is a new strategic partnership; • Members: India, Israel, United Arab Emirates, and United States. • It is also referred to as the West Asian Quad/Middle East Quad/New Quad. • Objectives: To promote economic development, scientific innovation, and regional stability. • Defence Cooperation: • Israel has remained among the top arms suppliers to India in the past two decades. Both countries are cooperating on security issues, including a Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism. • Indian armed forces use Israeli Phalcon AWACS (Airborne Warning And Control Systems), and Heron drones to Barak anti-missile defence systems. • Participation in ‘Make in India’: • The Israeli defense companies IAI, Elbit Systems, and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems have established partnerships with Indian firms Bharat Forge, Tech Mahindra, Adani Group, and Tata Advanced Systems to manufacture specialized sub-systems and enhance homeland security systems.