India continues to make the right moves and strengthening ties with the UAE , is of far reaching consequences. With Petroleum products as our largest import it is of critical importance to have a smooth relationship, especially in the context of a war looming in the Gulf region. Like Russia, this is another country where trade has happened in INR. The frequent visits by our charismatic PM, has definitely enhanced the acceptance of Indians working in UAE and Pakistanis are no longer the favored expatriates, due to religious reasons. Due to proximity and competitive prices, Indian goods and services are increasing their presence in the country. The growing influence of India, through the good offices of our PM, in the region, was demonstrated by the prompt release of 8 Indian navy veterans from Qatar. The efforts during the last 10 years, of this government has borne fruit. Thank you Anil for sharing this important article 🙏 👏
As always, a very timely, well-written column. I would only add that history is coming full circle as the disastrous effects of the Partition wear off. India has finally broken out of the straitjacket of the British-imposed post-Partition Subcontinental order, and is returning to its normal place in history in regard to its role in West Asia. Until now, Pakistan had played the role of Anglo-American-appointed security guarantor for the Gulf Arabs. That was the purpose for which Pakistan was created (Olaf Caroe wrote the book “Wells of Power” in the early 1950s). Of course, that model has collapsed. As a result, once again, India is at the heart of the Gulf’s present and future economic and security interests. In an earlier era, pre-Partition, you had Aden at one end, and Singapore at the other, with India sitting astride the Indian Ocean. Dubai is the new Aden. History has reasserted itself. And, you are there to chronicle the developments for us! Thank you.
Thanks for the article on the timely topic of India UAE relationships. I must however add that India should build similar relationships with Oman and Bahrain as well, along with Saudi, Kuwait and Qatar. Economic potential of this region is immense from solar and hydrogen energy perspective, apart from serving as gateway to trade to Europe or even Africa. We should also have a visa free regime ( with strict controls and penalties for violations, of course) so that to and fro movement becomes easier. We should ferry services to places like Muscat, Fujairah, Dubai etc. so that travel is cheaper and easier. However, at the same time, we should continue to build our trade and investment relationship with Iran as well. This will help us in our trade with Central Asian countries. India is friend to everyone and enemy to none!! Of course, we need to factor in gradual disintegration of Pakistan and resulting chaos there and rise of terrorism against India. So we must build our relations with Afghanistan and have Taliban recognize J&K as integral part of India in return for India not recognizing Durand Line and offering economic aid for Afghanistan. This will help us in taking over Gilgit-Baltistan ( leaving POK with Pakistan) and settle the J&K issue for ever!!! This will also break land link between China and Pakistan!!!! So we have immense possibilities if Modi 3.0 continues to focus on this region.
India continues to make the right moves and strengthening ties with the UAE , is of far reaching consequences. With Petroleum products as our largest import it is of critical importance to have a smooth relationship, especially in the context of a war looming in the Gulf region. Like Russia, this is another country where trade has happened in INR. The frequent visits by our charismatic PM, has definitely enhanced the acceptance of Indians working in UAE and Pakistanis are no longer the favored expatriates, due to religious reasons. Due to proximity and competitive prices, Indian goods and services are increasing their presence in the country. The growing influence of India, through the good offices of our PM, in the region, was demonstrated by the prompt release of 8 Indian navy veterans from Qatar. The efforts during the last 10 years, of this government has borne fruit. Thank you Anil for sharing this important article 🙏 👏
Hello Anil:
As always, a very timely, well-written column. I would only add that history is coming full circle as the disastrous effects of the Partition wear off. India has finally broken out of the straitjacket of the British-imposed post-Partition Subcontinental order, and is returning to its normal place in history in regard to its role in West Asia. Until now, Pakistan had played the role of Anglo-American-appointed security guarantor for the Gulf Arabs. That was the purpose for which Pakistan was created (Olaf Caroe wrote the book “Wells of Power” in the early 1950s). Of course, that model has collapsed. As a result, once again, India is at the heart of the Gulf’s present and future economic and security interests. In an earlier era, pre-Partition, you had Aden at one end, and Singapore at the other, with India sitting astride the Indian Ocean. Dubai is the new Aden. History has reasserted itself. And, you are there to chronicle the developments for us! Thank you.
Thanks for the article on the timely topic of India UAE relationships. I must however add that India should build similar relationships with Oman and Bahrain as well, along with Saudi, Kuwait and Qatar. Economic potential of this region is immense from solar and hydrogen energy perspective, apart from serving as gateway to trade to Europe or even Africa. We should also have a visa free regime ( with strict controls and penalties for violations, of course) so that to and fro movement becomes easier. We should ferry services to places like Muscat, Fujairah, Dubai etc. so that travel is cheaper and easier. However, at the same time, we should continue to build our trade and investment relationship with Iran as well. This will help us in our trade with Central Asian countries. India is friend to everyone and enemy to none!! Of course, we need to factor in gradual disintegration of Pakistan and resulting chaos there and rise of terrorism against India. So we must build our relations with Afghanistan and have Taliban recognize J&K as integral part of India in return for India not recognizing Durand Line and offering economic aid for Afghanistan. This will help us in taking over Gilgit-Baltistan ( leaving POK with Pakistan) and settle the J&K issue for ever!!! This will also break land link between China and Pakistan!!!! So we have immense possibilities if Modi 3.0 continues to focus on this region.