Current Affairs 2024 - Conflicts in West Asia

West Asia remains a hotspot for conflicts due to deep-rooted geopolitical, sectarian, and resource-related tensions. India's strategic interests in the region, including energy security, trade, and the welfare of its diaspora, necessitate a nuanced approach to managing these challenges. Amid escalating Iran-Israel tensions, India has emphasized dialogue and diplomacy while maintaining ties with all key players.

1. Geopolitical Rivalries and Proxy Wars

• Iran-Saudi Arabia rivalry drives proxy wars, e.g., Yemen Civil War.
• Israel-Iran tensions over nuclear ambitions and support for groups like Hezbollah.
• Refugee crises exacerbated, with 7.2 million Syrians internally displaced.

2. Religious Sectarianism

• Sunni-Shia divide fuels regional conflicts, e.g., Bahrain's tensions between Sunni monarchy and Shia-majority population.
• Iraq's war-related deaths (2003-2011): ~500,000.

3. Oil Abundance and Resource Control

• Region holds ~48% of global oil reserves, sparking conflicts (e.g., Iraq-Kuwait).
• Strategic chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz heighten tensions, affecting global oil trade.

4. Colonial Legacy and Arbitrary Borders

• Sykes-Picot Agreement ignored ethnic divides, e.g., Kurdish struggle for autonomy.
• Israeli-Palestinian conflict rooted in the British Mandate period, leading to humanitarian crises.

5. Authoritarian Regimes and Political Repression

• Monarchies and dictatorships suppress dissent, e.g., Arab Spring crackdowns.
• Syrian regime attacks (2024): 500+ civilian casualties and 120,000 displaced.

6. Foreign Interventions

• U.S. interventions (Iraq, Syria) often destabilize further, fostering extremist groups.
• Rising Chinese influence through the Belt and Road Initiative challenges U.S. and Indian interests.

1. Energy Security

• West Asia supplies 60% of India’s crude oil imports; disruptions impact prices and inflation.
• India's diversification efforts include agreements with Russia and renewable energy initiatives.

2. Diaspora and Remittances

• Over 8 million Indians in the region contribute 50% of India's remittances (~$87 billion in 2021).
• Policies like "Saudization" and regional instability pose challenges.

3. Trade and Maritime Security

• GCC-India trade: $161.59 billion in FY 2023-24.
• Strategic chokepoints like Strait of Hormuz critical for energy imports and exports.

4. National Security

• Extremist groups like ISIS and Al-Qaeda threaten regional and Indian security.
• Cross-border linkages in Jammu & Kashmir highlighted by recent FATF reports.

5. Cultural and Religious Ties

• India’s large Muslim population (~200 million) makes developments in Islamic holy sites sensitive.

1. Strategic Autonomy

• Foster bilateral ties with all key players, maintaining neutrality in rivalries (e.g., Iran-Saudi).
• Promote India’s image as a peace-building partner.

2. Economic and Energy Initiatives

• Diversify energy imports and expand Strategic Petroleum Reserves (e.g., new reserve in Mangalore).
• Strengthen renewable energy cooperation with UAE and Saudi Arabia.

3. Diplomatic Engagements

• Leverage forums like I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE, US) for cooperation in food security and clean energy.
• Actively engage with GCC and OIC to enhance India’s role as a regional stabilizer.

4. Defense and Security Cooperation

• Strengthen naval presence and collaborations for securing maritime chokepoints.
• Enhance counter-terrorism initiatives with Israel, Saudi Arabia, and UAE.

5. Cultural Diplomacy

• Advocate for labor rights and welfare of Indian workers.
• Promote people-to-people ties through cultural exchanges and scholarships.

India’s strategic interests in West Asia demand a balanced approach emphasizing non-alignment, economic diversification, and enhanced multilateral cooperation. By fostering stability and promoting dialogue, India can secure its national interests while contributing to regional peace.

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