India and the West Asia Crisis

Context:

• The West Asian region is also on the verge of a full-scale war due to the prolonged war in the region between the countries Israel and Iran. Recent Israeli airstrikes in Iranian installations have resulted in a sharp hike in oil prices around the world going almost 7 percent. 
• Iran has the capability of producing 3.3 million bpd oil but exports are only 1.6 million because of the sanctions. The greatest threat to world peace is the threat to close the Strait of Hormuz- a small waterway through which an estimated 20 percent of the world oil supply flows. 
• The conflict between West Asia has far-reaching implications to India as a country which heavily depends on oil imports as well. Consequences to India may include energy and trade-related, to strategic and diplomatic ones.

Important Factors that contributed to the West Asian War

The West Asia is still one of the most volatile regions of the world because of a combination of historical, religious, political and strategic reasons:

• Israel-Palestine Conflict: The Israel-Palestinian conflict is the burning problem. Recent military actions of Israel particularly in Gaza have aggravated the situation despite calls around the world to remain peaceful. Organizations such as the Hams and the Hezbollah have intensified their attacks on Israel thereby agitating the tensions within the region.
• Iran Israel Rivalry and Proxy Warfare: Iran and Israel are involved in a minor proxy war which is politically embittered. Iran supports militant organizations such as Hezbollah, Hamas, among others who are against Israel. In 2024, Iran made missile attacks after a Hezbollah figure was killed, and was ready to fight a direct war.
• Sectarian Divisions: Sectarian division (Sunni-Shia) persists to hobble the region. An Iran which is predominantly Shia favors organizations, such as the Houthis in Yemen and Saudi Arabia to the opposite. Such hostilities have reduced nations such as Syria, Yemen, and Iraq into the territory of proxy wars.
• Great Power Competition: The world is witnessing a battle of influence in West Asia as the U.S and China compete to be major players. As the U.S. sticks to supporting Israel and sustaining military engagements of some sort, China negotiated a significant peace-building agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran in 2023, expanding its diplomatic presence in the area.
• Oil Politics: West Asia contains enormous quantities of energy. The region is very strategic due to lockdown of oil supply connections such as the Strait of Hormuz. Whenever there is oil flow interruption, the world markets experience an increase in prices as it was witnessed following the recent Israel Iran flare up.
• Economic Meltdown and Discontent: Nations such as Lebanon are experiencing economic collapse with an inflation rate of more than 200 percent. In countries such as Iraq and Saudi Arabia, the impact of radicalization because of high unemployment among the youths makes them restless and triggers violence.
• Nuclear Tensions: The issue of Iran nuclear program has another cause of regional concern. At the present, Iran has reached up to the level of 60 per cent uranium enrichment as of 2024, which has led to the events of it being feared of building nuclear weapons in the near future. This has compelled such nations like Saudi Arabia to think of their own nuclear centers raising the threats of a regional arms race.

The Way India Can Help

India will have to adopt a multi-lateral, moderate course in reclaiming its interests:

• Enhance Diplomacy: Maintain direct negotiation with both Israel and Iran as well as including Gulf nations to the negotiation such as Saudi Arabia and UAE.
• Vary Sources of Energy: Increase imports of other oils and gases such as those found in the African continent and in Latin America. Also, establish strategic petroleum reserves as a shock guard.
• Increase Marine Security: Increase presence on sea in strategic locations such as the Persian Gulf and collaborate with allies to secure shipping routes.
• Economic Diplomacy: Assure economic interests by stepping up to establish infrastructure networks such as Chabahar port and its international north-south transport corridor (INSTC).
• Humanitarian and Cultural Outreach: Soft power can be employed in a way that advances goodwill and peace through education and healthcare delivery, and through the diaspora.

Conclusion

• The West Asia conflict spells a major danger in trade, energy security and the regional Indian position. 
• Being a nation closely tied with this region economically and bearing expatriate workers as well as strategic investments, India should maneuver wisely and positively. 
• Diplomatically, diversified, security ready, and by involving itself in West Asian regional cooperation, India can maintain its interests as well as promoting peace and stability in West Asia.

Source: The Times of India

Download as PDF