What is the significance of Gulf region for India, particularly for energy and security related concerns? Discuss.

Gulf region is an energy rich region and hold large chunk of fossil fuel deposits. India meets the demand of 80% of crude oil and 60% of LNG from the imports from Gulf region. This is key reason that the Look West Policy of the government reiterates Gulf region as the natural energy partner of India. Further, support of Gulf countries for the India’s global initiative of International Solar Alliance will give a thrust for the renewable energy.
The increasing menace of pirates in Arabian Sea and terrorist groups like ISIS are threatening economic and security of India. Strong partnership with gulf countries can be helpful in fighting the religious fundamentalism in West and South Asia which is threatening stability of the whole region. This apart, the pressure from Saudi Arabia together with US will corner Pakistan and force it to uproot terrorist groups from its soil.

Topics: GS-II: India's Foreign Policy Neighbourhood International Relations