Middle East

India-Oman Strengthening Bilateral Relations
Asia, Featured, Middle East, World

India-Oman Strengthening Bilateral Relations

Whereas there has always been people-to-people interaction between India and Oman, dating back 5,000 years, diplomatic relations were first established in 1955, and in 2008 the relationship was upgraded to a strategic alliance. Oman is expanding its clean energy corporation with India to promote its renewable sector. ACME India Ltd. has also sealed an agreement for the development and commercial production of a green hydrogen and green ammonia production plant at the port of Duqm in Oman.Given that both countries share the Indian Ocean region and have similar strategic objectives regarding trade routes and marine security, an important factor is the type of bilateral diplomacy. The diplomatic projects that both countries have started, signifying the depth and dedication of the relatio...
The Escalating Saudi-UAE Rivalry: Implications for the Middle East and Beyond
Middle East, World

The Escalating Saudi-UAE Rivalry: Implications for the Middle East and Beyond

The key battleground in the rivalry between Saudi Arabia and UAE is the economic investment and assistance to neighbouring countries. The rivalry extends to strategic sectors such as transportation and energy, where both countries seek to enhance their regional influence. As both countries compete for dominance across economic, political, and strategic domains, the region faces heightened tensions and uncertainty. In recent years, the Middle East has become a battleground for escalating geopolitical tensions between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This rivalry, spanning economic, political, and defence spheres, poses significant implications for the region's stability and global affairs. Both Riyadh and Abu Dhabi are vying for dominance, leveraging their economic ...
Release of Navy Veterans | PM Modi’s Assertive Diplomacy Bears Fruits Yet Again
Featured, Middle East, National

Release of Navy Veterans | PM Modi’s Assertive Diplomacy Bears Fruits Yet Again

The release of the naval veterans reflects the massive diplomatic might that India has acquired in the last few years, under an able leadership that understands the gravity and density of geopolitical complexities.One needs to unequivocally acknowledge that, this episode would be marked as one of the greatest diplomatic victories achieved in India’s history.India’s foreign policy and strategic architecture have been revamped by Dr S Jaishankar and Mr Ajit Doval. But the Centripetal force of this strategic transformation happens to be none other than PM Modi. It had been almost four months since eight former Indian Navy personnel were sentenced to death on fake espionage charges in Qatar. There was a large fraternity of journalists, commentators and opposition party leaders, who wer...
Egypt’s Role In The Israel-Gaza Conflict: Mediation For Regional Stability Or Self-Serving Statecraft?
Featured, Middle East, World

Egypt’s Role In The Israel-Gaza Conflict: Mediation For Regional Stability Or Self-Serving Statecraft?

People gather on the Gaza side of the closed Rafah border crossing with Egypt Critics argue that Sisi's focus on regional security comes at the expense of addressing pressing economic challenges facing Egyptians. Despite pressure from Western powers to force Palestinians to resettle in North Sinai, Sisi has publicly rejected such demands, emphasizing Egypt's commitment to national security. Egypt's ability to effectively mediate and address humanitarian concerns will be critical in shaping the trajectory of the conflict and the broader regional dynamics. Amid Israel's recent military campaign against Gaza, Egypt finds itself in a delicate position, balancing its role as a mediator between Palestinian factions and the need to maintain regional stability. As the conflict escalates...
Saudi Arabia’s Diplomatic Strategy in the Israel-Gaza Conflict: Navigating Complexity with Prudence
Featured, Middle East, World

Saudi Arabia’s Diplomatic Strategy in the Israel-Gaza Conflict: Navigating Complexity with Prudence

Riyadh's leadership in regional diplomacy and its strategic calculations regarding normalization with Israel will continue to shape the trajectory of events in the Middle East. Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman's reaffirmation of the kingdom's support for a two-state solution underscores Riyadh's commitment to a just and lasting resolution to the conflict. The kingdom's efforts to resolve regional conflicts, including the ongoing crisis in Gaza, reflect its broader commitment to stability and prosperity in the Middle East. Amidst the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, Saudi Arabia finds itself at the centre of a delicate diplomatic position, balancing domestic sentiment, regional geopolitics, and its strategic interests. As the conflict persists, Riyadh's approach reflects a nuanced stra...
Israel’s War on Terror: Involvement of UNRWA Employees in October 7 Attacks Prompts Funding Freeze
Featured, Middle East, World

Israel’s War on Terror: Involvement of UNRWA Employees in October 7 Attacks Prompts Funding Freeze

Israeli intelligence alleges that 10% of UNRWA employees in Gaza have connections with terror organisations such as Hamas or the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Israel has alleged that at least 190 UNRWA workers were involved with Hamas or Islamic Jihad, a claim that underscores Israel's concerns about the misuse of humanitarian resources for terror purposes.Addressing allegations of collusion with terror outfits and misconduct within aid organizations is a crucial step toward achieving lasting peace in the region. Recently, Israel presented a detailed document accusing a dozen U.N. employees, primarily from the UNRWA, of direct involvement in Hamas' October 7 terror attack. The comprehensive document alleges that seven UNRWA staff members not only breached Israeli territory during the ...
Transformative Shift in Geopolitical Alignments: Understanding BRICS+ Membership
Featured, Middle East, World

Transformative Shift in Geopolitical Alignments: Understanding BRICS+ Membership

The further expansion of the BRICS+ to include additional energy giants will solidify the group’s influence over the global energy market.Such expansion marks a profound turning point, propelling BRICS+ to collectively represent 45% of the world's population, around 3.5 billion people.The ripple effect of this expansion has stirred discomfort in Western corridors, particularly the United States, reflecting apprehensions about the potential reconfiguration of global leadership. At the dawn of 2024, the geopolitical landscape underwent a remarkable transformation as BRICS, a powerful alliance uniting Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, expanded its horizons, giving rise to the new era of BRICS+. This expanded alliance now includes Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and ...
The Red Sea Crisis – History, Importance and Contemporary Threats
Africa, Featured, Middle East, World

The Red Sea Crisis – History, Importance and Contemporary Threats

Established in 1869, the Suez Canal is a vital sea route that links the Mediterranean and the Red Sea, providing significant cost and distance savings. Historically, this strategic passageway has assisted in effective international trade, which has benefited the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. But a new trend indicates an alteration akin to the Middle Ages when commercial ships chose to circumnavigate the southernmost point of Africa. Vasco Da Gama undertook a voyage along the Cape of Good Hope in 1498, eventually discovering a new maritime route for trade in quest of India. This alternate route supplanted the Silk Road, which had been captured by the Ottoman Turks. However, the Suez Canal, constructed in the 1860s, provided a significant shortcut, aiding a sustainable path for inte...
Iran’s Strike Inside Pakistan Unveils the Latter’s Web of Terrorism
Asia, Featured, Middle East, World

Iran’s Strike Inside Pakistan Unveils the Latter’s Web of Terrorism

The nefarious activities of Pakistan-based terrorist organizations in Iran unmistakably highlight Pakistan's alarming status as a state sponsor of terrorism. India, having borne the brunt of Pakistan's long-standing support for terrorism it becomes crucial for New Delhi to robustly reinforce its stance against Pakistan as a terror state. A resolute and coordinated approach is imperative to emphasize globally the urgent need to confront and neutralize the terrorism emanating from Pakistan. In late December last year, Jaish ul-Adl, a Sunni militant group, carried out a deadly attack on an Iranian police post in Rusk, resulting in the tragic death of 12 Iranian police personnel. Fast forward to yesterday, and Iran responded with missile strikes inside Pakistan, exposing longstanding t...
Shifting Tides: Geopolitical Dynamics of the Red Sea and East Africa
Africa, Featured, Middle East, World

Shifting Tides: Geopolitical Dynamics of the Red Sea and East Africa

As a major player in the Indian Ocean, it is imperative for India to navigating these changes judiciously to safeguard its national interests and uphold regional stability. Iran's positive relations with Ethiopia could lead to direct trade and naval access, potentially altering the Bab al-Mandab Strait dynamics. Iran and China may seize opportunities for investments in the Red Sea. The UAE emerges as a key player, heavily financing Ethiopia and Somaliland, while also supplying armaments to the RSF and Marshal Haftar in Eastern Libya. Developments in the Red Sea and East Africa have far-reaching effects on the broader Indian Ocean region and India's trade. These include influences on India's maritime security, trade routes, strategic alliances, and resource competition. ...