India-Middle East Relations: Energy, Diaspora, and Security
Introduction
India's relationship with the Middle East (West Asia) is one of its most strategic and multifaceted partnerships, encompassing energy security, a large diaspora, trade, investment, and defence cooperation. The region includes the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain), Iran, Iraq, Israel, Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen. India's approach has evolved from a primarily energy-centric relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership, including the landmark I2U2 grouping and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC).
Key Pillars of the Relationship
1. Energy Security
| Country | India's Crude Oil Import Share | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Iraq | ~20% | India's top oil supplier (surpassed Saudi in recent years) |
| Saudi Arabia | ~18% | Long-term partnership, SABIC investments |
| UAE | ~6% | Strategic oil reserves agreement |
| Kuwait | ~6% | Consistent supplier |
| Iran | ~0% | Sanctions-impacted (historically ~10%) |
| Qatar | LNG major | India's top LNG supplier |
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