West Asia has, for decades, stood at the very heart of global politics. The significance of the region is shaped by an intricate web of resources, security dilemmas, and geopolitical relevance. The region, scarred by years of turmoil and suffering, bears witness to indigenous struggles that reverberate far beyond the borders, affecting both regional and global stability. The enduring crises in West Asia are not merely political or economic but also, deeply humanitarian in nature. Fuelled by unresolved disputes, sectarianism, fierce rivalries, and simmering tensions among regional and global powers, this situation creates a landscape of complexity and political, economic and social uncertainty. West Asia is an arena fraught with profound challenges, yet undeniably crucial to global geopolitics. The events of 7th October 2023 have further exacerbated an already complicated situation. The recent proposal by the Trump administration also threatens the fragile ceasefire in Gaza, and is liable to create further instability.

Sectarianism remains one of the most contentious issues. The Shia-Sunni ideological rivalry that began during the Cold war continues to occupy centre-stage in the geopolitical polemic. The rising sectarian strife in the region taken up by a vortex of both State and non-State actors desiring to further their own objectives renders the situation even more untenable.
For India, West Asia has been a strategically crucial region for a long period of time. As mentioned by External Affairs Minister, Dr. S Jaishankar at the Raisina Middle East, Abu Dhabi dialogue (January 28, 2025), “The history of India and the Middle East are inextricably linked. Whether it is commerce or connectivity, ideas and beliefs, or customs and traditions, we have actually seen an interplay over centuries. Interestingly, although India has influenced its extended neighbourhood in all directions, the one to our West has had the deepest impact on its own society. However, after independence, our economic development model resulted in a perceptible dilution of linkages with the world, one felt most deeply in our immediate proximity”.
In the post-colonial era, countries of this region have further strengthened their relationship with India in different areas of cooperation. West Asia has always been an important waystation for India’s land and sea linkage with Europe and the wider world. In the contemporary global politico-economic scenario, the most significant project is the India-Middle East Economic Corridor (IMEC). This is a project which has been proposed as a response to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). West Asia also faces increased strategic competition for trade and connectivity. This has serious implications not only for West Asia but also for the wider world. Additionally, the presence and interests of major powers like United States and Russia in West Asia have been one of the key factors in shaping India’s approach towards the region.

Beyond the issue of connectivity, India has also forged an important economic partnership with players from West Asia, one spanning a wide range of economic sectors. A large proportion of India’s trade now takes place with the GCC countries. In FY 2022-23, the region accounted for 15.8% of India’s total trade, surpassing the European Union. A key component of the economic relationship is in the field of energy security. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar remain crucial suppliers of both crude oil and natural gas to India, with a recent $78 billion deal extending India’s gas imports from Qatar by 20 years, underscoring the long-term importance of Gulf energy supplies.

The security aspect is also a critical component of the relationship between India and like-minded countries in West Asia. All these countries face the similar threat of global terrorism. These States have taken a strong stance against fundamentalism, radicalisation and extremism in the sub-continent and are collaborating with India to curb the funding of terrorism coming from West Asia. India and Saudi Arabia have echoed similar concerns on countering radicalisation and the importance of military diplomacy and intelligence sharing to strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation.

Other factors destabilising the region are events such as the Arab Spring and its fallout. While discussing the West Asia-India dynamic, it is also important to take a closer look at India’s relationship with other players in the region such as Turkey, Egypt, Sudan and Libya. Even though peripheral to India, these countries remain important for the wider stability of West Asia. Conflicts in countries of West Asia have both direct and indirect impacts on India and the subcontinent. For example, the conflict in Yemen has disrupted the Red Sea trade when the Houthis launched their attacks on ships passing through this area. Moreover, civil wars in Iraq and Syria have had a trickle-down impact on India’s security and the safety of its diaspora. The Indian diaspora, engaged in both blue collar and white collar jobs, constitutes a major component of the population of West Asia. The economic dividends accrued from this workforce are beneficial to both nations.

An important component of India’s strategic partnerships is its non-aligned stand. This is well reflected in our mutually beneficial engagements with all regional players in West Asia. Another hallmark of our diplomacy rests in the measured stand taken on geopolitical upheavals in the region, one of which is the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict. A similar stand is seen in the case of India’s nuanced partnership with Iran and Saudi Arabia.

The ten-day certificate program will look at all these issues in detail. It will analyse these issues both from an Indian and a global perspective. The program will also include a basic introduction to Arabic language and its cultural context. Speakers from a variety of backgrounds will take part in this program. They will be both from a civilian and security background and will include scholars with specialisation in particular areas of West Asia. Along with this, former diplomats who have hands-on experience of West Asia will also offer their valuable expertise through this program. The program will be held from 25th March, 2025 to 3rd April, 2025. Anyone with a basic interest in West Asia is welcome to participate in this program. At the end of the program, participants will be given a Certificate of participation.

Important Information
The programme will be conducted in online mode & E-Certificate will be provided.

Programme Structure:
Two online lecture sessions of three hours each day, divided into two parts.

What you'll learn

Requirements