India and West Asia
Strategic and Economic Significance
West Asia is of critical strategic importance to India, encompassing security, energy, remittances, and diaspora interests. India's engagement with the region is described under the "Look West" or "Extended Neighbourhood" policy.
- Approximately 8–10 million Indians work in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain).
- Remittances from West Asia constitute a major portion of India's total remittance receipts — India is the world's top remittance recipient (over USD 120 billion annually in recent years).
- India imports approximately 85% of its crude oil requirements; Gulf countries are among the largest suppliers.
- India's evacuation operations (such as Operation Ganga, Operation Kaveri) demonstrate the state's obligation to protect citizens abroad.
● Tracked since February 28, 2026 · last seen March 09, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
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