- 10-Oct-2025
- public international law
India shares a long-standing and dynamic relationship with the Gulf countries, shaped by strong economic, security, and cultural ties. These countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait, are vital partners in India’s energy security, trade, and regional stability. The bilateral treaties and agreements with these nations cover a wide range of areas such as trade, labor migration, energy cooperation, defense partnerships, and security collaboration. India’s role in the Gulf region is essential for both political and economic cooperation, with millions of Indian expatriates contributing significantly to the workforce in these countries.
The Gulf countries are key suppliers of oil and gas to India. India has long-term energy agreements with countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar for the import of crude oil and natural gas. These agreements ensure stable energy supplies for India’s growing energy demands. Additionally, joint ventures and investments in energy infrastructure, such as refineries and storage facilities, further deepen energy cooperation.
India and Gulf countries have several bilateral trade agreements that encourage the exchange of goods, services, and investments. For instance, the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) aims to enhance trade ties, reduce tariffs, and increase cooperation in sectors like infrastructure, defense, and technology. The Gulf region is also a major source of remittances for India, bolstering India’s economy.
A large number of Indian workers are employed across the Gulf region. Countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia have signed labor agreements with India to safeguard the rights and welfare of Indian expatriates. These agreements include provisions for fair wages, safe working conditions, and grievance redressal mechanisms.
India and Gulf countries have increasingly cooperated in defense and security matters. Joint defense agreements with countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia include measures for counterterrorism cooperation, maritime security, and military training. This cooperation is vital for maintaining stability in the region, particularly in the context of shared concerns over terrorism and regional conflicts.
India has cultural exchange programs with Gulf nations, promoting mutual understanding through festivals, language courses, and academic exchanges. India’s deep cultural and historical connections with the Gulf region are further enhanced by initiatives like the Indian Cultural Centre in the UAE and various Indian community activities across Gulf countries.
The Gulf countries, particularly the UAE and Qatar, have invested significantly in Indian infrastructure projects, including the development of ports, airports, and transport networks. India also receives investment in sectors like real estate, hospitality, and technology. These investments are encouraged through bilateral agreements and investment treaties.
Given the strategic location of the Gulf countries, maritime security is a major area of cooperation between India and the region. Maritime security agreements with Gulf countries focus on combating piracy, ensuring safe shipping lanes, and enhancing regional naval cooperation.
Labor rights, welfare, and immigration policies continue to be sensitive issues, especially concerning the protection of Indian workers’ rights in the Gulf. Despite bilateral labor agreements, challenges remain related to exploitation and working conditions in some sectors.
The Gulf region is prone to geopolitical tensions, such as the Saudi-Qatar dispute or tensions with Iran. These issues can occasionally affect India’s relations with specific countries in the region. India strives to maintain a balanced approach to ensure it does not get embroiled in regional conflicts.
Though trade relations are strong, non-tariff barriers, regulatory hurdles, and bureaucratic inefficiencies sometimes limit full potential. India is working with Gulf countries to address these issues and boost bilateral trade.
Terrorism is a major concern for both India and Gulf countries. While defense cooperation has strengthened, there remain concerns about how to combat extremist activities and prevent the spread of radical ideologies, especially within the context of both countries’ shared fight against terrorism.
India’s treaties with Gulf countries comply with international trade and labor laws, ensuring that both sides respect mutual obligations. These agreements also adhere to global frameworks like the International Labour Organization (ILO) standards for migrant workers.
The treaties are reviewed periodically to reflect changing political, economic, and technological landscapes. For example, defense and security cooperation agreements may be updated to reflect new threats in the region.
All treaties between India and Gulf countries undergo diplomatic and legislative scrutiny to ensure alignment with national priorities and to maintain compliance with international regulations.
Suppose India and Saudi Arabia sign a new labor agreement to enhance the protection and welfare of Indian workers employed in Saudi construction projects.
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