By: Kadira Pethiyagoda
BROOKINGS - December 22, 2015
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the United Arab Emirates revealed New Delhi’s intention to bolster bilateral relations with the Gulf states. It was the first visit by an Indian prime minister in over 30 years, demonstrating the country’s renewed focus on expanding ties with the region it has always called “West Asia.” Although India and the Middle East share a long history of trade, immigration and cultural exchange, relations have yet to reach their full potential.
In this policy briefing, Kadira Pethiyagoda highlights the importance of
an under-reported aspect of the relationship – culture. The author
explains the role it plays in India’s policies toward the region,
particularly under the current government, and argues that Gulf states
need to understand the impact of Indian values and identity. Pethiyagoda
provides recommendations on how the Gulf states can, through better
understanding the cultural drivers of Indian foreign policy, build
stronger ties with India, thereby advancing both economic and strategic
interests.
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