In his first trip to Saudi Arabia in six years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to project the emphatic arrival of India in the West Asian theatre. The Gulf is an important region for India. For starters, it is part of India’s extended neighbourhood. Second, it is a region where multipolar competition is at its zenith. Third, China has made significant inroads here, in the backdrop of Washington almost retreating from the region under Joe Biden’s presidency.

However, with Donald Trump back in the White House, West Asia has re-emerged as the centrepiece of what promises to be a connected future for India, Gulf kingdoms and Europe. Much of this has to do with Prime Minister Modi taking the lead on making the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor, or IMEC, a reality.

Trump has imposed mind-boggling tariffs on China. His administration has its eyes set on challenging China every step of the way, including in West Asia. To that end, Saudi Arabia finds itself in a tricky situation. For years, Riyadh has been “looking east" and increasing cooperation with Beijing. Trump’s return has undeniably complicated........

© News18