For decades, India was non-active player in West Asian region-a beneficiary of good relationships with multiple actors. Historically, India’s West Asia policy has been multi-directional. But in the recent times India has escalated the engagement with Israel, Palestine, Oman, UAE, Iran, etc., which finally may be culminated on the energy security and other dimensions.
Recent Developments PM’s Visit to Palestine, Oman and the UAE
US Withdraws from Iran Nuclear Deal
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On the lines of Look East policy, India adopted Look West Policy in 2005. However, the policy did not get much attention since then but late due frequent visits of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to number of West Asia countries enhanced our engagement with West Asia. The former Foreign Secretary S. Jayashankar coined the word as ‘Think West’ Diplomacy.
Basis of the Policy
Initiatives by India to Strengthen ‘Think West’ Policy
Palestine
The United Arab Emirates
Oman
Israel
As India seeks to pursue multi-dimensional engagement with the Middle East, Prime Minister’s latest visit to the region has merely underscored the growing salience of the region in the Indian foreign policy matrix.
Challenges