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.

Fatah at the Crossroads

Abbas needs to take steps for a gradual change of guard in the Fatah within a specified time-frame to keep the cause of Palestinian statehood alive.

Gautam Sen
January 04, 2017
IDSA Comments

The State of the State of Syria

The partial cease-fire brokered and imposed by Russia and Turkey, with Iran’s concurrence, on Assad and the ‘moderates’, might mark a turning point in Syria’s tortuous journey since 2011.

K. P. Fabian
January 02, 2017
IDSA Comments

It is Terrorism by Daish, Not Jihad by Islamic State

Terrorists pursuing an atavistic agenda through the brutal killing of common people are not performing jihad. They only seek to legitimize their vile acts in the name of Islam.

Reshmi Kazi
December 05, 2016
IDSA Comments

Significance of the Jordanian Parliamentary Election

The most significant outcome of the Jordanian parliamentary election has been the participation of the Islamic Action Front (IAF), the political wing of the officially banned Muslim Brotherhood. In many ways, this election is a test of King Abdullah’s commitment to electoral reforms.

Manjari Singh
September 28, 2016
IDSA Comments

The End of an Era in Uzbekistan

President Islam Karimov’s foremost contribution to the region and the world is to shield Uzbekistan from the onslaught of radical Islam.

Skand Tayal
September 26, 2016
IDSA Comments

Syria: The Cease-Fire that was and wasn’t

The Kerry-Lavrov agreement did not work because those who had to cease fire were not willing to abide by it.

K. P. Fabian
September 23, 2016
IDSA Comments

Whither Turkey?

Turkey is going where President Erdogan wants to take it to, as those who do not agree with him are too intimidated to stand in his way.

K. P. Fabian
August 17, 2016
IDSA Comments

Erdoğan’s Visit to St. Petersburg: A Measured Russia-Turkey Rapprochement

While a Russia-Turkey rapprochement is driven by their particular national interests, its trajectory and outcome are likely to be shaped by the interplay of several geo-economic and geo-political factors.

Rajorshi Roy
August 16, 2016
IDSA Comments

The Failed Coup in Turkey – The Road Ahead

The coup has seriously dented Turkey’s image as a stable, secular, progressive and prosperous country. And Erdogan's witch-hunt has tarnished the country's reputation and credibility. Turkey’s polity and economy will take a long time to recover from the crippling attrition of recent days.

Ashok Sajjanhar
August 02, 2016
IDSA Comments

Saudi-Israeli Rendezvous: Does it indicate a Policy Change?

It is early days to speculate on the likely outcome and possible trajectory in Saudi-Israeli engagement, but Eshki’s visit has so far been the clearest indication of Saudi willingness to engage with the Jewish state.