Riyadh and Delhi: India's 'Look West' policy at a Crossroads
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: India and Saudi Arabia relations are rooted in historical trade, cultural exchanges and religious ties, and have evolved into a comprehensive strategic partnership in recent decades. This transformation has been catalyzed by India’s Look West Policy, introduced in the early 2000s, prioritizing enhanced engagement with West Asia. Saudi Arabia, a pivotal player in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Islamic world, holds a unique position in India’s foreign policy due to its energy resources, economic potential, and geopolitical influence. This paper argues that India’s Look West Policy has significantly reshaped its relationship with Saudi Arabia across economic and cultural dimensions. The key findings highlight the role of Saudi Arabia as India’s largest supplier of crude oil, a major investor in Indian infrastructure, and a strategic ally in counterterrorism and regional stability. The joint initiatives under Saudi Vision 2030 and India’s renewable energy goals further underline the potential for mutual growth. Despite successes, challenges such as regional rivalries, trade imbalances, and slow investment inflows persist. The analysis concludes that by addressing these challenges and leveraging emerging opportunities, India and Saudi Arabia’s partnership can continue to thrive as a model of interdependence, promoting peace and prosperity in the region and beyond.
Source: Liberal Studies
Authors: Sailo, Sairinpuii, Pathak, Shreesh K
Institution: Amity University
Language: English
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W6893307790
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