India’s military diplomacy in the Middle East marks a bold recalibration of its regional strategy, signifying a transformation from a passive observer to a proactive architect of security and stability. Through robust defence partnerships, India aims to secure critical energy imports, protect vital trade routes, ensure the safety of its nine million-strong diasporas, and counter the expanding influence of competitors like China.
This evolution sees India moving beyond its traditional focus on energy imports and diaspora welfare to pursue a multi-dimensional security partnership framework across the region. It reflects a recognition that military-security engagements are essential components of comprehensive strategic relationships in an increasingly multipolar world. India is leveraging its historical goodwill, cultural connections, and growing economic clout to forge deeper security partnerships, particularly with Gulf nations, overcoming the limitations of previous, more ideologically constrained regional engagement.
India’s military cooperation with the Gulf countries and Iran differs markedly from its engagement with Israel. The partnership with the GCC emphasises joint military exercises, counterterrorism, cybersecurity, and maritime security. These partnerships prioritise regional stability and mutual security interests. With Iran, the focus is on energy security and connectivity. India’s cooperation with Israel is technology-centric, focusing on defence exports, joint R&D, and intelligence sharing
Factors leading to transformation
Several interconnected factors catalyse this strategic shift. China’s increasing footprint through strategic investments in ports (like Gwadar), logistics hubs, and other BRI infrastructure projects presents strategic challenges that India must address. Beijing’s recent mediatory role in the Saudi Arabia-Iran rapprochement adds another dimension to its regional involvement.
