Accelerating India's “Look West Policy” in the Gulf

Adoption of the Look West policy in 2005 reflects India's increased desire for engagement with its West Asian neighbours. The Gulf region is important for India because of increased cooperation in the fields of trade, business, politics and security. Several high level visits have been exchanged and important agreements signed between the two sides on a number of issues. Bilateral engagement has also gathered momentum because of similar perspectives on terrorism and piracy. India's endeavours for deeper engagement with the region has been well accepted by the Gulf countries that realise India's potential as a large, stable, democratic country and an emerging political and economic power in Asia and the world.

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