India's Strategic Interests in West Asia
West Asia (Middle East) is of multi-dimensional strategic importance to India: it hosts over 9 million Indian diaspora (the largest source of remittances — approximately $55-60 billion annually), supplies the majority of India's oil and gas, and is a critical trade route.
- Indian diaspora in Gulf: ~9 million; primarily in UAE (3.5 mn), Saudi Arabia (2.4 mn), Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain
- Remittances: India is the world's top remittance recipient; Gulf countries account for the largest share
- Chabahar port (Iran): India's strategic port investment in southeastern Iran — provides non-Pakistan access to Afghanistan and Central Asia; directly impacted by Iran sanctions and conflict
- Operation Kaveri (2023): India's evacuation operation from Sudan — India maintains capacity for Non-Combatant Evacuation Operations (NEO) in conflict zones
- Look West policy: India's engagement strategy for West Asia under PM Modi
● Tracked since February 19, 2026 · last seen July 03, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
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