US Magazine Highlights India's Middle East Journey: India's Growing Influence in the Middle East

New Delhi: According to a recent article in Foreign Policy, India's rise as a significant player in the Middle East has been recognized as a noteworthy geopolitical development. The piece highlights India's strengthening connections with key countries like Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. It suggests that this evolution in India's role reflects the changing global order and the willingness of these nations to embrace the advantages of a new multipolar world. The article also argues that the United States may find little control over this development, and intriguingly, it could even derive some unexpected benefits from it.

An article in Foreign Policy highlights the increasing influence of India as a major player in the Middle East. The author points out that India's expanding presence in the region offers an alternative choice for the United States' Middle Eastern partners. While the US may no longer hold the undisputed dominant position, India's rise prevents Russia and China from assuming that role. The article notes that India's interest in the Middle East has shifted over the past decade, with strong economic ties being established with countries like the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Israel. The UAE and Saudi Arabia, traditionally aligned with Pakistan, are now seeking closer relations with India due to shared interests in countering extremism and economic opportunities. The article also emphasizes the well-developed relationship between India and Israel, particularly in high-tech and defense sectors. It acknowledges the complexities in India's stance, maintaining support for Palestinians and friendly ties with Iran. The author suggests that India's growing role in the Middle East should not be viewed solely through the lens of competition with China, but rather as an additional counterweight to Beijing. While India may differ from the US and Israel on certain issues, it is unlikely to align with or undermine Washington's interests in the same way as China or Russia. The article concludes by emphasizing the need to take India's projection of power in the region seriously.