Context & The Gist
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman is gaining attention due to the evolving geopolitical landscape in West Asia and Africa. This tour underscores India’s proactive approach to strengthening its strategic presence in these crucial regions, particularly amidst shifts in global power dynamics and increasing engagement by other major players like China and Pakistan.
The central thesis of the article is that India is strategically positioning itself to capitalize on opportunities arising from the changing geopolitical order, focusing on security in the Middle East, economic development in Africa, and connectivity in the Indian Ocean. However, the article also highlights the challenge of translating diplomatic engagements into concrete outcomes and the need for consistent follow-up action.
Key Arguments & Nuances
- Geopolitical Shifts: The article points to significant changes in the Middle East, including the US role in the Gaza ceasefire, actions against Iranian nuclear facilities, and efforts to expand the Abraham Accords, creating a fluid geopolitical environment.
- India’s Multifaceted Approach: India is maintaining productive relationships with key actors across regional divides, exemplified by the simultaneous visits of PM Modi to the region and EAM Jaishankar to Israel.
- Rising Competition: The increasing activity of China and Pakistan in the Middle East and Horn of Africa poses a challenge to India, necessitating a more assertive and consistent foreign policy.
- Bilateral Outcomes: The visit resulted in substantive outcomes, including a Strategic Partnership with Ethiopia, a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with Oman, and discussions on counter-terrorism and regional security with Jordan.
- Implementation Gap: A persistent challenge for India is the lack of effective implementation of decisions made during high-level visits.
UPSC Syllabus Relevance
- GS Paper II: International Relations – India’s foreign policy, relationships with key countries in West Asia and Africa, and its role in regional geopolitics.
- GS Paper II: Governance – Effective implementation of foreign policy decisions and the role of diplomacy.
- GS Paper III: Economy – Impact of trade agreements (like CEPA with Oman) on India’s economic growth and connectivity initiatives.
Prelims Data Bank
- Abraham Accords (2020): A joint statement between Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States, normalizing relations between Israel and the UAE.
- Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA): A type of free trade agreement that covers trade in goods, services, investment, and other areas of economic cooperation. India signed a CEPA with Oman during this visit.
- African Union: A continental union consisting of 55 member states located on the African continent. India is actively engaging with the African Union to promote South-South cooperation.
- Siliguri Corridor: A narrow strip of land in West Bengal, India, connecting the northeastern states to the rest of India. Its security is a strategic concern, particularly in relation to potential border adjustments with neighboring countries.
Mains Critical Analysis
The PM’s visit highlights India’s growing ambition to be a significant player in the extended neighborhood. However, several critical gaps need addressing.
Political (P)
The shifting dynamics in the Middle East, particularly the evolving US-Pakistan relationship and the US’s engagement with Gulf states, present both opportunities and challenges for India. Maintaining a balanced approach and avoiding entanglement in regional conflicts is crucial. India’s consistent support for the Palestinian cause, while maintaining ties with Israel, requires careful calibration.
Economic (E)
The CEPA with Oman is a positive step towards boosting trade and investment. However, India needs to proactively pursue similar agreements with other countries in the region, including the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), to enhance its economic footprint. Diversifying economic partnerships is essential to reduce dependence on any single region.
Social (S)
India’s advocacy for the Global South and its engagement with the African Union demonstrate its commitment to South-South cooperation. This can be leveraged to build stronger relationships with African nations and promote shared development goals. Addressing issues of migration and diaspora engagement is also important.
Technological (T)
Cooperation in areas like renewable energy and water management, as seen in Jordan, can contribute to sustainable development and address common challenges. Exploring opportunities for technological collaboration in areas like digital infrastructure and cybersecurity is also crucial.
Legal (L)
Strengthening legal frameworks for trade, investment, and defense cooperation is essential to ensure the smooth implementation of agreements and protect India’s interests. Addressing issues related to maritime security and counter-terrorism requires international legal cooperation.
Environmental (E)
Promoting cooperation in areas like renewable energy and climate change adaptation can contribute to environmental sustainability and address global challenges. India can leverage its expertise in these areas to assist partner countries.
Value Addition
- India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC): Though not directly mentioned, the article’s context relates to the broader strategic importance of the region for initiatives like the IMEC, which aims to enhance connectivity and trade between India, the Middle East, and Europe.
- Wagah Border Agreement (1988): This agreement between India and Pakistan, though not directly related, highlights the historical complexities of regional security and the need for careful diplomacy.
Context & Linkages
Beyond the optics: on Indian diplomacy, the global order
This past article provides further detail on the outcomes of the PM’s visit, specifically highlighting the CEPA with Oman and the discussions on the Israel-Palestine conflict. It reinforces the idea that India is attempting to navigate a complex regional landscape while upholding its traditional foreign policy principles.
PM Modi’s visit: Delhi-Thimpu ties can combat the China chill
While focused on Bhutan, this article underscores a broader trend of India strengthening ties with its neighbors to counter China’s growing influence. This is relevant to the current context as China is also increasing its engagement in the Middle East and Africa, creating a competitive dynamic for India.
Express View: India shouldn’t be worried by Pakistan-US ties
This article addresses the potential implications of renewed US-Pakistan engagement for India. It suggests that India should focus on strengthening its own partnerships, particularly with the US, and pursuing its own strategic interests, which aligns with the proactive approach demonstrated in the PM’s recent tour.
The Way Forward
- Prioritize Implementation: Establish a dedicated mechanism to monitor and ensure the timely implementation of decisions taken during high-level visits.
- Strengthen Economic Partnerships: Actively pursue CEPA-like agreements with other countries in the region, focusing on sectors with high growth potential.
- Enhance Maritime Security Cooperation: Deepen collaboration with regional partners to address challenges related to piracy, terrorism, and maritime disputes.
- Invest in Connectivity Projects: Promote infrastructure development and connectivity initiatives, such as the IMEC, to enhance trade and economic integration.
- Maintain Strategic Balance: Continue to engage with all key actors in the region, avoiding alignment with any single bloc and upholding India’s independent foreign policy.