In Focus by The Hindu In Focus-Parley | Is India tailing the U.S. in its West Asia policy?
Mar 12, 2026
Kabir Taneja, Observer Research Foundation Middle East executive director, breaks down Gulf strategies and stalled connectivity plans. Amb. Talmiz Ahmad, former Indian ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Oman and the UAE, critiques India's posture and regional diplomacy. They debate India’s responses, Gulf neutrality limits, and the wider strategic and economic fallout in West Asia.
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India's Detached Response To The West Asia Crisis
- India has been strategically detached during the West Asia crisis despite major stakes in energy, trade, and 10 million Indians in the region.
- Amb. Talmiz Ahmad highlights half-hearted UNGA responses, limited ministerial outreach, and a missed central diplomatic role before the conflict.
Gulf Neutrality Is Strained By Repeated Attacks
- Gulf states are maintaining a neutral but defensive posture, shooting down projectiles while avoiding joining the war directly.
- Kabir Taneja warns this posture is unsustainable if missile and drone attacks continue, as air-defenses and interceptors will deplete.
Eve Of War Visit Signalled A Pro-Israel Tilt
- The Prime Minister's visit to Israel days before the strikes and public warmth signals a perceived affinity with Israel and risks taking sides.
- Amb. Talmiz Ahmad links emotional bonding, ideological sympathy, and strategic defense-technology ties as drivers of the tilt.