INTERVIEW FOR CSE 2019 All ForumIAS members selected for CSE 2019 Personality Test must submit their details and DAF and register below to receive further instructions and guidance from ForumIAS. Click here to register now
INTERVIEW 2020 CHANNEL ForumIAS Channel for Interview Preparation is now Active! Please join the channel by clicking here
I mean, Saudi Arabia was never in India's radar ever! And suddenly India is pursuing better relations with Saudi Arabia? What could be the possible reasons for it?
India has been in its recent past following a multi pronged foreign policy which is a breakaway from its cold war somewhat rigid stance. Now India has been seen in the US and the West as a pivot to Asia and is being integrated into US-led institutions. This means closer engagement with Us allies such as Japan, Aus, Canada and also Saudi Arabia.
Okay, I do not think India is allying closely with US allies at all. I mean we are not even being seen a toeing the US line on all major issues. There is something more to it def.
I mean, Saudi Arabia was never in India's radar ever! And suddenly India is pursuing better relations with Saudi Arabia? What could be the possible reasons for it?
Sorry if this question is way off the mark
The bold statement is not correct. May be thats why you are thinking that we are pursuing better relations with Saudi Arabia now. It has always been cordial.
Okay, I do not think India is allying closely with US allies at all. I mean we are not even being seen a toeing the US line on all major issues. There is something more to it def.
I did not say India was "allying" with them. I said that India was having relations with US allies that have been the closest in her history of the past two centuries. And Saudi is one of them. We are veryy far from an alliance yet but things today are moving faster than ever before. This is the only conspicuous change in recent years that could satisfy your assertion. Other than that India-Saudi relations have always been cordial as pointed above.
I am not sure India has a specific policy for the Middle East. Its ties with Iran, Israel and Saudi Arabai have mostly been of economic co-operation mainly due to Oil and NRI population (and ties with Israel opened only during Vajpayee era). So, I wouldn't conclude India has been siding towards Saudi Arabia. Further, Saudi Arabia has been a Pakistan supporter and promoter of Wahabism and India isn't comfortable with either!
India always had good relations with Saudi but in recent times there have been a renewed vigour. It might be due to following reasons: 1. Until recently the oil production and distribution was directed by US-Saudi policy but since the race for shale began GCC has asserted its independence in matters of oil production which has opened doors for other players to enhance engagement with Saudi (we are looking to build a Strategic reserve) 2. India is trying to de-couple its relation with Saudi vis-a-vis Pakistan 3. Diaspora emphasis is a special tool of Modi-style geopolitics and in recent times cases of harsh treatment of workers in Saudi have arose which required enhance engagement with Saudi 4. Latin america, Africa, Middle east and SE Asia are the 4 foremost upcoming economic centres around the globe. China is trying to dominate Europe and Middle East via OROB and India's enhance engagement with Saudi is to counter the Chinese dominance 5. (Most imp according to me) There has been a tectonic shift in India's policy wrt Israel which has upset Saudi. Also with lifting of sanction on Iran, Iran-India relations are expected to surge which would make Saudi more uncomfortable and could create a vulnerable situation for India (in various forms for instance Pak polarising Saudi towards itself) so India is forging/strengthening its relation with Saudi beforehand
A good relation with Saudi also aligns us with US (at least temporarily) but I dont think it is the main reason
India always had good relations with Saudi but in recent times there have been a renewed vigour. It might be due to following reasons: 1. Until recently the oil production and distribution was directed by US-Saudi policy but since the race for shale began GCC has asserted its independence in matters of oil production which has opened doors for other players to enhance engagement with Saudi (we are looking to build a Strategic reserve) 2. India is trying to de-couple its relation with Saudi vis-a-vis Pakistan 3. Diaspora emphasis is a special tool of Modi-style geopolitics and in recent times cases of harsh treatment of workers in Saudi have arose which required enhance engagement with Saudi 4. Latin america, Africa, Middle east and SE Asia are the 4 foremost upcoming economic centres around the globe. China is trying to dominate Europe and Middle East via OROB and India's enhance engagement with Saudi is to counter the Chinese dominance 5. (Most imp according to me) There has been a tectonic shift in India's policy wrt Israel which has upset Saudi. Also with lifting of sanction on Iran, Iran-India relations are expected to surge which would make Saudi more uncomfortable and could create a vulnerable situation for India (in various forms for instance Pak polarising Saudi towards itself) so India is forging/strengthening its relation with Saudi beforehand
A good relation with Saudi also aligns us with US (at least temporarily) but I dont think it is the main reason
Also don't forget the real thing: help of saudi in time of yemen crisis for evacuating indians. Plus relations has always been cordial due to large indian diaspora over there.
@ vivekj2 I am so glad you asked this question. IR is one of my things, and I will try to frame an answer to your satisfaction. Please feel free to tag in my any IR questions that you may have in future.
If you have been going through the newspaper, you should have read about three initiatives between Saudi Arabia and India viz.
Before you move deeper you have to understand a few things. Our policy with respect to South Africa is guided by following factors
1. We import oil from Saudi Arabia 2. 6 million Indians live in the Gulf - Saudi Arabia being one of the primary places 3. Saudis made be our only friends in the The Organization of Islamic Conference - where Pakistan is also a member, and the OIC matters to India 4. India has a decent Muslim minority population. 5. Saudis do not like Iran. Obama is beginning to like Iran - overturning the age old US policy.
Now, on economic front, Saudi Arabia has a big potential to add to our topline. We currently have close to 40 billion dollar trade - this is only oil based. India would definitely want to be trading services - IT & non IT and a lot of other things such as engineering ( we are already sending engineers there ) in Saudi - so as to spread our trading relations.
This will help us when US and EU goes down. We are already trying to work with SE Asia to increase our trade footprint. Saudi can really help us spread the economic footprint and hence provide a hedge.
The King Abdullah Economic City - where Saudi wants India to build a deep sea port - is of significance to both India and SA.
India has good relations with African nations - which is non existent for SA. Some strategists also see SA using Indian infulence to enter South Africa.
Our diaspora send tons of money back home and this has to continue if we want peace and prosperity in states that send Indians to SA.
But thats not all. It is the Geo strategic dimension that is bringing us close.
1. Saudis do have a choice to choose between Indian and Pakistan. And they are not happy with Pakistan Parliament not sending troops to Yemen when Saudis wanted to.
3. As I said - Iran is a big enemy . Remember that in 2012-2013 Saudis were even willing to sponsor and pay Israel to take action in Iran.
4. Now comes the China angle. It is commonly said that oil is the currency of the past. Connectivity is the key. Now China is banking hugely on its OBOR Policy - One Belt One Road Policy. You should Google Iran OBOR or click below
Iran has a pivotal role there. Iran will have a major role to play. Iran is the No. 1 enemy for Saudis ( ask me why or google it ) And China isnt great friends with India either.
That is also one of the reasons why Saudis and Indians are coming together.
Apart from that, India's anti-terrorism stand echoes with Saudi concern because they are as big a threat to Saudis - who have had a free run as monarchy - without fear of democracy or a Islamic Revolution.
Let me know if anything sounds cryptic here and I would love to elaborate further.
We are a secret self-moderated community for Civil Services preparation. Feel free to join, start a discussion, answer a question or just to say Thank you.Just dont spread the word ;)Sign in or join with Facebook or Google
ForumIAS is India’s leading Online website for UPSC IAS Exam Online Preparation and guidance. At ForumIAS, we have a dream. Our dream is to make its members achieve their IAS dream. Today thousands of aspirants have joined the elite services such as IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS and other central and state services with the right inputs provided by ForumIAS. Take a look at our IAS Toppers
Free IAS Online Preparation Initiatives by ForumIAS
Current affairs is the most important part of UPSC IAS exam. ForumIAS provides a detailed analysis of important news articles through its 9PM brief. In current affairs reading Editorials Online needs an in-depth focus and hence we provide a separate analysis of daily editorials which is not found in any other website. Click the following link to access these free preparation initiatives in Portal . ForumIAS also provides compilations and Free downloads for UPSC IAS preparation
Knowing is never enough for IAS exam. An IAS aspirant must be engaged in answer writing practice to do well in UPSC IAS Mains Exam. ForumIAS has launched a Mains Marathon initiative for IAS mains Online answer writing. Click here to access UPSC Mains Marathon initiative . For Daily Must Read Newspaper articles, Visit Must Read Newspaper page here. Must Read Newspaper is an Initiative by Team ForumIAS to provide Current Affairs links to the Must Read Articles of The Day from Newspaper.
UPSC Syllabus
The most important part of UPSC IAS exam is its syllabus and there is a need to take an in-depth look at it. Click here to view the UPSC IAS Prelims syllabus. Visit UPSC IAS syllabus page here
UPSC IAS Study Material
ForumIAS is the repository of many toppers’ Online study materials for GS Mains and Optional subjects. The most unique thing about it is that they are handwritten by toppers themselves. Click here for UPSC sample notes
Interview Preparation for IAS
Interview is the last and crucial stage for becoming an IAS officer. How to prepare for it? We provide a solution. ForumIAS is the only online website where quality IAS interview preparations happen. Online Current affairs from an interview perspective are extensively discussed and specific preparation based on candidate’s profile and hobbies can be done. Please visit this link for UPSC Interview Preparation
At ForumIAS we have an exclusive Online page to read the UPSC Interview Transcripts
Indian Forest Service (IFoS)
IFoS is one of the most sought after All India Service. ForumIAS provides the right approach to excel in this exam through their toppers who have shared their success mantras and their study materials in an elaborate manner.
About Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
IAS is considered as one of the best jobs on earth. IAS officers hold the most important positions in Central and State Governments and in Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). They also represent India in international organizations. They take the most important decisions in the administration of Government policies and development programs.
About Indian Police Service (IPS)
IPS officers occupy higher positions in the State Police Departments, Central Armed Police Forces and Intelligence Agencies. Their most important responsibilities are maintenance of Law and Order and internal security.
About Indian Foreign Service (IFS)
IFS officers serve as diplomats in international missions and embassies of India around the world and in prominent international organizations like United Nations (UN), World Bank, and IMF. They work to promote India’s interests from a bilateral and a global perspective.
The Study portal is a single point of online IAS preparation through its several initiatives like the Must Read News Articles, the 9 PM Brief, the Mains Marathon. If you are preparing for IAS exam online, ForumIAS is the place to go. ForumIAS is proud of ForumIAS Alumni in UPSC Service who have secured top Ranks in past 5 years.
Visit Us At
ForumIAS - Offline Guidance Centre
ForumIAS Academy, 1st Floor, IAPL House, 19, Pusa Road, Opposite Metro Pillar 95-96, Karol Bagh, New Delhi-110005,
View Google Map Location
Comments
But thanks for answering @Mistral
This is the only conspicuous change in recent years that could satisfy your assertion. Other than that India-Saudi relations have always been cordial as pointed above.
Further, Saudi Arabia has been a Pakistan supporter and promoter of Wahabism and India isn't comfortable with either!
dawn.com/news/1159577
indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/in-wikileaks-how-saudis-wanted-to-match-iranian-influence-over-india/
1. Until recently the oil production and distribution was directed by US-Saudi policy but since the race for shale began GCC has asserted its independence in matters of oil production which has opened doors for other players to enhance engagement with Saudi (we are looking to build a Strategic reserve)
2. India is trying to de-couple its relation with Saudi vis-a-vis Pakistan
3. Diaspora emphasis is a special tool of Modi-style geopolitics and in recent times cases of harsh treatment of workers in Saudi have arose which required enhance engagement with Saudi
4. Latin america, Africa, Middle east and SE Asia are the 4 foremost upcoming economic centres around the globe. China is trying to dominate Europe and Middle East via OROB and India's enhance engagement with Saudi is to counter the Chinese dominance
5. (Most imp according to me) There has been a tectonic shift in India's policy wrt Israel which has upset Saudi. Also with lifting of sanction on Iran, Iran-India relations are expected to surge which would make Saudi more uncomfortable and could create a vulnerable situation for India (in various forms for instance Pak polarising Saudi towards itself) so India is forging/strengthening its relation with Saudi beforehand
A good relation with Saudi also aligns us with US (at least temporarily) but I dont think it is the main reason
If you have been going through the newspaper, you should have read about three initiatives between Saudi Arabia and India viz.
1. Energy Security Partnership 2008
2. Strategic Partnership 2010
3. Defense Partnership 2014
Before you move deeper you have to understand a few things. Our policy with respect to South Africa is guided by following factors
1. We import oil from Saudi Arabia
2. 6 million Indians live in the Gulf - Saudi Arabia being one of the primary places
3. Saudis made be our only friends in the The Organization of Islamic Conference - where Pakistan is also a member, and the OIC matters to India
4. India has a decent Muslim minority population.
5. Saudis do not like Iran. Obama is beginning to like Iran - overturning the age old US policy.
Now, on economic front, Saudi Arabia has a big potential to add to our topline. We currently have close to 40 billion dollar trade - this is only oil based. India would definitely want to be trading services - IT & non IT and a lot of other things such as engineering ( we are already sending engineers there ) in Saudi - so as to spread our trading relations.
This will help us when US and EU goes down. We are already trying to work with SE Asia to increase our trade footprint. Saudi can really help us spread the economic footprint and hence provide a hedge.
The King Abdullah Economic City - where Saudi wants India to build a deep sea port - is of significance to both India and SA.
India has good relations with African nations - which is non existent for SA. Some strategists also see SA using Indian infulence to enter South Africa.
Our diaspora send tons of money back home and this has to continue if we want peace and prosperity in states that send Indians to SA.
But thats not all. It is the Geo strategic dimension that is bringing us close.
1. Saudis do have a choice to choose between Indian and Pakistan. And they are not happy with Pakistan Parliament not sending troops to Yemen when Saudis wanted to.
2. Indias also sent their ships and planes for safe evacuation in the Yemen crisis ( do ask me on what happened in Yemen , in case you are missing the point ). And it was Saudis who assured a safe passage to Indian Airplanes.
3. As I said - Iran is a big enemy . Remember that in 2012-2013 Saudis were even willing to sponsor and pay Israel to take action in Iran.
4. Now comes the China angle. It is commonly said that oil is the currency of the past. Connectivity is the key. Now China is banking hugely on its OBOR Policy - One Belt One Road Policy. You should Google Iran OBOR or click below
https://www.google.co.in/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=OBOR+iran
Iran has a pivotal role there. Iran will have a major role to play. Iran is the No. 1 enemy for Saudis ( ask me why or google it ) And China isnt great friends with India either.
That is also one of the reasons why Saudis and Indians are coming together.
Apart from that, India's anti-terrorism stand echoes with Saudi concern because they are as big a threat to Saudis - who have had a free run as monarchy - without fear of democracy or a Islamic Revolution.
Let me know if anything sounds cryptic here and I would love to elaborate further.