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Think West Policy

Part of International Relations — India's Foreign Policy — Concepts, Doctrines & Diplomacy. Common notes for UPSC Mains GS-II.

UPSC

📌 Background & Key Features

  • Rationale: West Asia (Gulf) hosts ~9 million Indian diaspora, supplies ~60% of India's crude oil imports, and is a top source of remittances — making the region indispensable to India's energy and economic security.
  • Approach: De-hyphenated engagement — India today balances strong ties with Israel, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Iran simultaneously without one relationship constraining another.
  • Key frameworks: I2U2 (India-Israel-UAE-USA), India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC, announced at G20 2023), Chabahar Port (Iran) for Central Asia access, and Comprehensive Strategic/Economic Partnerships with UAE and Saudi Arabia.

📋 Quick Facts

CoverageGCC states, Iran, Israel, wider West/Central Asia
ComplementsAct East Policy — the western mirror of India’s extended-neighbourhood outreach

📰 Current Affairs Linkage (2025-26)

  • IMEC status: Progress on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor has slowed amid the Gaza conflict and regional instability, raising questions about its near-term viability versus China's Belt and Road Initiative.
  • The prolonged Israel-Gaza conflict and Iran-Israel tensions have complicated India's "de-hyphenation" strategy, forcing New Delhi to balance evacuation operations, energy security and its historic support for Palestinian statehood.
  • Chabahar Port operations continue as India's key access route to Afghanistan and Central Asia bypassing Pakistan, even as US sanctions on Iran periodically complicate investment.

🔖 60-Second Revision

  • Coverage: GCC states, Iran, Israel, wider West/Central Asia
  • Complements: Act East Policy — the western mirror of India’s extended-neighbourhood outreach

📝 PYQs for Practice (Mains)

YearQuestionMarks
2024Critically analyse India’s evolving diplomatic, economic and strategic relations with the Central Asian Republics (CARs).10
2025“Energy security constitutes the dominant kingpin of India’s foreign policy, linked with India’s overarching influence in Middle Eastern countries.” Discuss.15