| Publication |
2010.
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| Summary/Abstract |
Friendly and beneficial relations with the countries of West Asia, and the Gulf region in particular, have remained a key component of India's foreign policy on account of geopolitical, economic and strategic interests. The reasons for significance of this region for India now go beyond the assured supplies of energy resources. While non-alignment as a bonding has declined in bilateral relations with countries like Egypt after the end of the Cold War, the opportunities for trade and investments have gained salience in India's relations with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The political uncertainty over the representative character of regimes in many countries of the region, the political fallout of the United States' policies and interests in respect of Iraq, Iran and the Palestine issue, along with India's new priorities in the form of stronger linkages with both the US and Israel could impinge on India's role in the region. It is in India's economic and strategic interest to maintain a positive relationship with all the West Asian countries by avoiding any undue influence from the US or Israel. It is also incumbent on India to stand by the people's voice for the introduction of genuine democratic political systems in these countries.
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