West Asia

About Centre

The West Asia Centre seeks to cover issues, themes and countries of the region which are undergoing rapid political transformation impacting the political and security situation of the region and beyond. Popular protests demanding political and economic reforms and the subsequent fall of some long ruling authoritarian rulers and the rise of Islamists to power have significantly changed the region’s political landscape. GCC-Iran rivalry, Shia-Sunni sectarian conflict, external intervention in the region, and the rise of religious radicalism have further aggravated the situation. The Centre is closely following the unfolding internal political developments in individual countries as well as the regional political scenario.

The historical shifts in the region and domestic political developments will have a significant impact on India’s external environment. With huge stakes in the region such as energy, trade and safety of Indian citizens in the region, it has become important for India to carefully watch developments taking place in its ‘extended neighbourhood.’ These and other related issues are being focused upon by the scholars at the Centre. The Centre continues to hold regular bilateral dialogues with some leading think tanks in West Asia thus facilitating exchange of ideas and perspectives.

Current projects being pursued in the Centre are:

Linking South and Central and West Asia: Transportation and Energy Cooperation
Political transformations in the Arab world and implications for India
Regional organisation in Gulf: The Gulf Cooperation Council
India-Arab relations and partnership
Iran’s domestic and foreign policies
India’s Engagement with Iran: Prospects and challenges.

Challenges for Ebrahim Raisi’s Presidency

The tenure of Ebrahim Raisi as Iran's President is not likely to be a smooth sail, considering the immense challenges that lie ahead on both domestic and foreign policy fronts.

Oman’s Renewed Economic and Political Challenges

The recent protests in Oman over economic slowdown due to the coronavirus pandemic pose a major economic and political challenge for Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al-Said, the new ruler of Oman.

Outcomes of the First Biden-Erdo?an Meeting

While Ankara can take respite in President Biden’s decision to continue discussions on contentious issues, it would have to invest more diplomatic capital to overcome the challenges facing its relations with the US.

Iran Presidential Elections 2021

The expected victory of a hardline, conservative candidate in the forthcoming Iranian presidential elections could become a hindrance to fulfilling the country’s economic agenda and lead to greater domestic instability.

Israel’s Continuing Political Stalemate

The political deadlock in Israel is set to continue, with Netanyahu failing to garner adequate support and Yair Lapid facing the deadline of June 2, 2021 to cobble together the necessary support to form a coalition government.

Jatin Kumar
May 28, 2021
IDSA Comments

Saudi-Iran Talks: Ray of Hope in the Gulf

The talks between Iran and Saudi Arabia mediated by Iraq may help in the de-escalation of regional tensions.

Israel-Hamas Clash: What it Means for West Asia?

The Israel-Hamas clash diminishes prospects for the revival of the peace process and strengthens Hamas’ position as the preeminent Palestinian faction.

Attack on Nasheed and the Rising Tide of Radicalisation in the Maldives

The attack on former Maldivian President and current Speaker of the Majlis, Mohammad Nasheed, on May 6, 2021 has brought to attention the country’s tenuous political stability, compounded by the problem of Islamist radicalisation.

Adil Rasheed
May 20, 2021
Issue Brief

China-Iran Comprehensive Strategic Partnership: Likely Challenges for India

The growing ties between China and Iran can have challenges for India’s relations with Iran and interests in the Persian Gulf region. Nonetheless, it is unlikely to seriously affect India-Iran bilateral ties that remain robust and have withstood challenges earlier.

New Momentum in India-Mauritius Ties

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to Mauritius on February 22-23, 2021 strengthens India’s partnership with the key Indian Ocean island country across the economic, health and security spheres.