India–Middle East Relations In The Twenty-First Century: Economic, Strategic, and Geopolitical Dimensions

The relationship between India and the Middle East has undergone a significant transformation in the twenty-first century, evolving from a predominantly energy-centered partnership to a multidimensional strategic engagement. The Middle East occupies a crucial position in India's foreign policy due to its importance in energy security, trade, investment, diaspora welfare, maritime connectivity, and regional stability. Over the past two decades, India has strengthened bilateral relations with key regional powers including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Israel, Iran, Qatar, Oman, and Egypt. Simultaneously, emerging geopolitical developments such as the Abraham Accords, regional conflicts, maritime security challenges, and shifting global power dynamics have influenced India's engagement with the region. The present study examines the economic, strategic, and geopolitical dimensions of India–Middle East relations in the twenty-first century. The findings reveal that economic cooperation, defense partnerships, energy interdependence, and strategic connectivity initiatives have significantly enhanced bilateral relations. The study concludes that the Middle East remains a critical pillar of India's foreign policy and strategic interests in the contemporary international system.