Gulf Ties: India's diplomatic stance of Partners over Preachers

Why in News?

India launched Operation Sindoor as a response to the Pahalgam attack carried out by The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). The operation involved precision strikes on nine terrorist facilities across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), including the LeT headquarters in Muridke and Jaish-e-Mohammed's base in Bahawalpur. The Indian Armed Forces used SCALP cruise missiles and Hammer Smart Bombs to target these terror hubs. Pakistan retaliated with intensified firing along the Line of Control, killing three civilians. The global community has urged restraint and dialogue to ease tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. The operation has drawn international attention, with the US and other major powers advising caution. India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized that India seeks "partners, not preachers," particularly in its dealings with Europe. Pakistan has reached out to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Kuwait for mediation in the conflict. As, the nations are positioning themselves as mediators, the question is, what’s in it for these peace brokers? Can India trust them? And what is their plan?

Background

After the partition of 1947, Gulf States leaned diplomatically towards Pakistan, due to shared ideology. During the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak war, Saudi Arabia and UAE extended support to Pakistan while Iran showed neutral stand but indirectly aligned with Pakistan. Although with India’s liberalization policy, a shift was seen. During, 1999 Kargil War, 2016 Uri Attack, 2019 Pulwama-Balakot Tension, the Gulf Nations avoided supporting Pakistan’s position, but never took stand for India in multilateral platforms like Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). It is to be noted that Pakistan is key member of OIC along with Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Indonesia and Iran.

Why Iranian and Saudi Minister are in New Delhi?

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel Aljubeir landed in India on an unannounced visit and held talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar Thursday with a focus on de-escalating tension. Saudi stated, “calling for dialogue and peace” and emphasized on stability and peace for region’s welfare.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi landed in New Delhi on Thursday on a scheduled visit. The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei described the military escalation as a serious cause for concern and expressed the hope that both sides could still de-escalate while suggesting both sides to exercise restraint.

Other Gulf nations are trying to propagate for de-escalation and urging calm. Qatar expressed “deep concern over escalating tensions between India and Pakistan” and called for “maximum restraint and diplomatic resolution of disputes”, urging “both sides to respect good neighboring principles.” In addition, Kuwait expressed “serious concern over heightened border tensions”.

What’s in it for the Gulf Nations?

Notably, they are not neutral brokers, Iran’s supreme leader has meddled in Kashmir multiple times in the past and compared Kashmir to Gaza and Yamen, therefore, Iran cannot be considered an unbiased ally for India. Tehran is not openly speaking in favor of Pakistan due to its significant trading partnership with India, particularly regarding the Chabahar port project, instead positioning itself as a potential mediator to defuse tensions between the two nations. India swiftly rejected the offer, stating it was “capable of handling the matter independently.”

Simultaneously, Saudi Arabia does not want to get embroiled in any controversy and is focusing under ‘Vision 2030’ on increasing its revenue streams, where India’s role is crucial. After all, when the Kashmir attack unfolded, Prime Minister Modi was in Jeddah to discuss the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor and advance an investment deal worth $100 billion.

Qatar has also maintained neutrality in this matter and its foreign policy focuses on economic stability and remaining neutral in regional disputes. It prioritizes economic interests over religious unity.

The UAE’s $85 billion trade with India and its dependence on Indian labor and investment compel it to adopt a balanced stance.

What’s their relationship with India?

With the shift in Indian market in 1990, Gulf noticed India’s growing economy, tech sector, and large emigrant community. While being close to Pakistan, Gulf started cautiously engaging with India as well. Gradually, India became key part of Gulf economy, becoming their top oil importer and trade partner. Giving message out to the world of strong friendship with India, Gulf honored Indian Prime Minister with UAE’s Order of Zayed and Saudi Arabia’s King Abdulaziz Sash.

Amidst rising tensions, the Gulf region, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, prioritizes economic and regional stability, advocating for quiet diplomacy and de-escalation. Saudi Arabia acknowledged Kashmir issue being a bilateral matter between India and Pakistan, emphasizing the need for peaceful resolution.  Additionally, Saudi Arabia and Iran sent their foreign ministers to India, urging restraint and dialogue. This approach reflects the Gulf's focus on valuing economic ties and stability, with strategic partnerships encompassing defense, security, trade, and energy cooperation. As key partners for India, the Gulf countries aim to strengthen their relationship through collaborative activities in various sectors.

Israel with its bold move didn’t shy away from condemning Pakistan. It called OP Sindoor, “act of self-defense” by India. They further said that “terrorists should know there’s no place to hide from their heinous crimes.”

What is their relationship with Pakistan?

Pakistan is seen as “brotherly Islamic country” by gulf nations. Islamabad used to provide military training and personnel to Gulf armies, in return, Gulf nations have been providing security and financial support. In 2021, the UAE was the second-largest exporter to Pakistan. The UAE’s Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ABFC) provided Pakistan with an annual $2 billion interest free loan to alleviate Islamabad’s balance of payment crisis. This relationship was further strengthened by shared security concerns, the rise of Al Qaeda and other extremist groups around the turn of the century.

Where most Islamic countries are prioritizing their economic and geopolitical benefit over solidarity with Pakistan, Turkiye has cleared their stand of solidarity with Pakistan, calling India’s retaliation as, “all-out war.”

Conclusion

The Gulf region's shift towards a balanced approach with India and Pakistan reflects the changing dynamics in West Asia. Driven by economic interests and geopolitical realism, both Sunni (Saudi Arabia, UAE) and Shia (Iran) powers have offered to mediate in the recent Indo-Pak crisis rather than taking sides. This development highlights India's growing diplomatic standing in the region.

The Gulf states' stance on the issue indirectly validates India's longstanding concerns about Pakistan's role in harboring terrorism. By advocating for peace and stability without openly siding with either nation, the Gulf countries implicitly acknowledge India's grievances against Pakistan's support for terrorism. This diplomatic backing from key regional players reinforces India's position and highlights the global community's growing recognition of Pakistan's culpability in fostering terrorism.

As India continues to face threats to its sovereignty and national security, its "defensive offense" strategies are a proof to its commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region. The Gulf states' mediation efforts and refusal to take sides demonstrate that India's actions are seen as a legitimate response to terrorism, rather than an aggressive posture. This shift in the Gulf's approach is a significant diplomatic win for India, as it highlights the country's growing influence and credibility in West Asia.