Brief Analysis
As India seeks to grow in its self-reliance, developing more balanced relations with the Gulf will strengthen ties while helping to balance against Chinese influence in the region.
In May 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India would pursue
Atmanirbhar Bharat, or the ‘self reliant India’ initiative—a call for India to boost its independence in meeting its national security requirements and defense manufacturing. In exploring this new initiative, India should extend the tenants of the
Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative to its relations with the Gulf. Initial steps such as the Indian army chief’s unprecedented visit to Saudi Arabia and the UAE are necessary and important in this regard, but Indian-Gulf relations must be further developed and balanced. This development should focus on establishing greater Indian independence while deepening regional ties, all while remaining mindful of concurrent Chinese efforts in the region.