Balancing Act: India's 'Look West' Policy in the Context of Saudi-Iran Rivalry

Abstract

India's Look West policy was initiated by Manmohan Singh, but Narendra Modi successfully implemented it in 2014. To establish friendly relations with Middle Eastern countries of oil-rich nations. During the Cold War period, India and Arab countries did not have a good relationship because India was part of the non-aligned countries and another problem was the Kashmiri issue and Pakistan Arab countries were diversifying their economy and finding new opportunities and challenges which impacted their foreign policy India and west Asia had cultural roots and trade linkages from ancient times The main objective of India look West policy to improve cultivate a good relationship with GCC countries and Israel and Iran. Saudi Arabia and Iran both are strategic partners to India and advancing it interests in energy security, economic integration, and strategic partnership to avoid conflict between these two countries. by using this opportunity, India wants to leverage the economic interest and maintain their influence in this region .the presence of the Indian diaspora in Gulf countries particularly in Saudi Arabia adds complexity which impacts foreign policy decisions. The US sanctions on Iran and the growing influence of China in Iran and Saudi Arabia became a challenge to India to maintain their sphere of influence in this region, but also to improve diplomatic relationships with Gulf countries.