The art of Indian diplomacy involves managing relationships with the UAE, Israel, and Iran without treating them as identical, according to geopolitical expert Sergio Restelli. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the UAE comes amidst Middle East conflicts, challenging major powers. The UAE offers India more than energy cooperation, serving as a platform for investment, technology, defense, and maritime connectivity.
Restelli emphasizes that Abu Dhabi is a key partner for India, capable of translating regional ambitions into actionable projects. India’s reliance on imported crude makes Gulf stability a domestic priority, impacting inflation, fiscal planning, and industrial production. Cooperation with the UAE on strategic petroleum reserves and LPG is crucial for India’s energy security.
Apart from energy ties, the Gulf region plays a vital role in India’s future connectivity with the Mediterranean, Europe, and Africa. Restelli notes that Abu Dhabi has fostered a working relationship with Israel while maintaining broader Arab and Islamic responsibilities. India’s relations with Israel are robust, particularly in defense, agriculture, water, cyber, and technology sectors.
According to Restelli, India’s engagement with the UAE and Israel is multifaceted, encompassing developmental, commercial, and strategic aspects. He warns against reducing India’s Middle East policy to a single axis, highlighting Iran’s significance for India’s access to Afghanistan and Central Asia via the Chabahar port. India values maintaining open channels with all sides in the region for responsible statecraft.
Restelli underscores that India’s relationships with the UAE, Iran, and Israel are distinct, each offering unique opportunities and challenges. The UAE anchors India’s West Asian strategy, Israel accelerates technology and defense cooperation, and Iran remains crucial for connectivity and crisis management. He urges India to demonstrate to global partners a coherent presence in the region, emphasizing the importance of PM Modi’s engagement with Abu Dhabi.
