The states of West Asia continue to grapple with dramatic changes taking place in the domestic and regional environment. Security has emerged as a significant concern for them. The political upheavals, civil strife, sectarian violence, and terrorism in the area have implications for the regional and global order. As the region grapples with myriad socio-economic problems, many extra-regional players and non-state actors, and a few regional ones, are attempting to carve out their own areas of influence. These developments across West Asia demand constant monitoring and careful analyses. This book is a collection of essays exploring various aspects of the changing security paradigm in West Asia and the regional and international responses.
India has taken a cautious and balanced approach in dealing with Iran. However, the growing US-Iran confrontation continues to cast a shadow on the Chabahar project and overall bilateral ties.
India has redefined its engagement with Eurasia in the last few years. It has sought to re-energize ties with its extended neighbourhood based on its historical linkages, positive and benign image, and overlapping security and economic interests. In this context, ties with Uzbekistan remain a key pillar of India’s Eurasian calculus. Tashkent’s strategic location at the crossroads of Central Asia and abundant natural resources form the fulcrum around which the security of Central Asia revolves.
The abidance to ceasefire does not mean an end to the conflict, but it surely would work as a confidence-building measure, at least for now, to address the bigger challenge of
coronavirus.
While it is unlikely that the Iranian regime will be able to weather the COVID-19 crisis without the support of the international community, its efforts at seeking international support largely remain a work in progress.
Manohar Parrikar IDSA Scholars, Dr. Meena Singh Roy and Mr. Rajorshi Roy's co-authored chapter titled 'India’s Initiatives in Central Asia: Re-energising Ties with the Region' has been published in the book 'The “Roads” and “Belts” of Eurasia', edited by Alexander Lukin and published in March 2020.
Research Fellow, IDSA, Dr. Meena Singh Roy’s article on the impact of the US-Iran conflict on India, titled ‘Why US-Iran conflict spells big trouble for India’ has been published in Deccan Herald on January 07, 2020.
The article argues that under the given circumstances, there is no option for India but to take the more active diplomatic initiative to de-escalate the crisis in the Persian Gulf region.
Research Scholars, Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses Dr. Meena Singh Roy and Mr. Rajorshi Roy’s co-authored article on SCO, titled ‘India and the SCO: A Vision for Expanding New Delhi’s Engagement; has been published the Russian International Affairs Council on December 04, 2019.
Research Fellow, IDSA, Dr. Meena Singh Roy’s article on Turkey’s military offensive ‘Operation Peace Spring’ in Syria, titled ‘Understanding implications of Turkey’s assault on Syria’ has been published in Deccan Herald on October 15, 2019.
Turkey aims to create a safe zone inside Syria for the resettlement of about 2 million of 3.6 million Syrian refugees currently in the country, writes Dr. Roy.
Research Fellow, IDSA, Dr Meena Singh Roy’s article on India-Iran relations, titled ‘India’s Iran Dilemma’ has been published in the Economic Times on April 29, 2019.
Given the current volatile situation in Yemen and Libya combined with major uncertainty in Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan it is extremely important to engage Iran to find long-term solutions to the regional problems through smart, balanced diplomacy and dialogue, writes Dr Roy.
India’s Chabahar Dilemma
India has taken a cautious and balanced approach in dealing with Iran. However, the growing US-Iran confrontation continues to cast a shadow on the Chabahar project and overall bilateral ties.