Opinion Express View: A north-south Asia corridor is a step in the right direction

The meeting between India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, with his US, Saudi Arabia and UAE counterparts on Sunday is significant for at least two reasons. First, it marks a deepening of India’s outreach towards West Asia, strengthening the initiative taken with the 12U2 grouping consisting of India, Israel, the US and the UAE since October 2021. This is of particular significance since a series of recent events — from the hasty and poorly-executed US withdrawal from Afghanistan and the return of the Taliban, to China apparently brokering peace between Iran and Saudi Arabia earlier this year – have given the impression of a diminishing American role and rising Beijing-Moscow presence in the region. Second, the meeting signals a broader, integrated approach to India’s West — similar, perhaps, to the Indo-Pacific — along with the US and regional partners.

The meeting in Saudi Arabia was held to discuss a proposal to link countries in West Asia through rail networks and roads, as well as build corridors between the region and South Asia through sea lanes. This ambitious endeavour is clearly a response to China’s Belt and Road initiative, which has been used by Beijing to increase its footprint across Asia. Fears of China’s “debt trap” and the recent easing of tensions between West Asian rivals make the infrastructure project seem desirable and viable. Indian expertise in railways — demonstrated recently in Sri Lanka — could be put to good use while also helping confirm the country’s reputation as an executor of major projects. Direct corridors between West Asia and the Subcontinent will ensure a more steady and reliable supply of crude oil, and so, shore up the country’s energy security. A deeper, direct presence of Indian companies and government can brighten the prospects for millions of Indian workers in the region.

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Thus far, Delhi has focused on its east and the maritime domain to counter an increasingly belligerent China, and it has done so while maintaining its strategic autonomy. The Malabar exercise and the Quad, for instance, have not limited India’s diplomatic options while deepening its partnerships with the US, Japan and Australia. The I2U2 and Sunday’s meeting could mark a similar approach in West Asia. The current moment is opportune because it is now possible to de-hyphenate outreach in the region: The Abraham Accords of 2020 functionally normalised ties between Israel and the UAE and Bahrain; earlier this year, there was a restoration of ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran. It is, of course, early days and much will need to be done to make the projects a reality. Land connectivity with West Asia remains a challenge for Delhi, given the chill in relations with Pakistan. Delhi’s balancing act between Russia and China, and Russia and the West will continue to be tested as it engages in projects with diverse partners. Even as it navigates these hurdles, Delhi’s “Look West” is an important milestone.