Global Energy Developments: India and its Approach to the Persian Gulf Region

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Assistant Professor of International Relations, Political Sciences Department, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran

2 ,Master of International Relations, Political Sciences Department, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran

Abstract

Energy is a critical requirement for all developed countries in the world today. Emerging powers like India require energy to sustain their development. Therefore, the Persian Gulf region, abundant in oil and gas, has become a global hotspot. The central research question of this proposal is how India, a key player in the energy game, can balance stability and maintain its status quo among its many energy partners in the Persian Gulf. This proposal is grounded in the idea of neorealism and its components. It posits that India, in order to continue and survive as an emerging power, has strategically made economic relations with the Persian Gulf region one of the main principles of its diplomacy. The research method is qualitative-descriptive, and the aim is to delve into how India can balance stability and maintain its current position among the different energy partners in the Persian Gulf. The findings suggest that India is not currently pursuing hegemonic power in the Persian Gulf but is instead looking for a more efficient and cost-effective development trajectory for itself.

Introduction

Energy, especially oil and gas, plays a crucial role in today's industrial age. Forecasts indicate that energy consumption will continue to grow until 2030. India, the seventh-largest country with the fourth-largest economy, is rapidly emerging as an economic powerhouse with significant hydrocarbon resources. India has extensive energy ties with Persian Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. Given its strategic location near the Persian Gulf, India closely monitors sensitive areas like Chabahar and the Strait of Hormuz. The current research question revolves around how India can maintain stability and manage its relationships with various energy partners in the Persian Gulf. This question will be addressed during the research process.

Theoretical Framework

The neorealist theory asserts that the government is the primary actor in international relations. In an authoritarian international system, conflict over security and power is a persistent reality. This theory is particularly relevant to the Persian Gulf, which has become a hotbed of conflict between powers like China and India. Security is a key component of this theory, suggesting that the Persian Gulf region is an anarchic environment in terms of security. According to neorealism, for a country to become a great power, it needs various components such as a large population, significant size, an active democracy, and economic strength. These elements help the country achieve its goals. In the case of India, regional forces, asymmetric forces like the Houthis, and rival powers such as China pose threats to the security of the Persian Gulf region. Therefore, India is committed to maintaining the security and stability of this region and should continue its peaceful relations with the area. Neorealism also discusses great powers, military capabilities, and combined powers, which include political, military, and economic strength. India also requires this region's oil and gas resources to enhance its combined power. However, despite the presence of great powers like the US, China, and Russia, it cannot be claimed that India is seeking to become a hegemonic power. Nevertheless, India has expanded its sphere of influence from South Asia to the Indo-Pacific in recent years.

3. Methodology

The research is a qualitative-descriptive study, with data collected from documents and library sources. It utilizes scientific research with neorealistic components to explain India's role in the Persian Gulf.

Results and Discussion

The Persian Gulf is a region abundant in fossil energy and holds significant commercial and transit potential. This has made it a focal point for major global powers, particularly emerging ones. The coastlines of Makran and the Chabahar port are particularly noteworthy. India is engaged in economic competition with its rival, China, and its political rival, Pakistan, to leverage the capabilities of the Chabahar port. Similarly, China has initiated the Gwadar port project with Pakistan, which has been partially completed. However, Iran and India have faced challenges in achieving financial and political success in developing the Chabahar port.

5. Conclusion

India aims to actively strengthen its ties with the Persian Gulf region, particularly with Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates. This involves various economic, political, and psychological relations, such as collaboration with refinery entrepreneurs, trade in foreign goods, and the participation of Arab forces in the Quad meeting. Additionally, India is focused on energy production cooperation with Iran and has ambitious plans to develop the Chabahar port. Through investments in the Chabahar port, India seeks to establish shorter energy production routes and expand its influence in regional markets. India has three options: first, utilizing domestic reserves by addressing legal issues in the upstream sector and investing within and outside the country. The second option is importing gas through LNG, with contracts signed with Oman and Qatar. The third option is establishing pipelines, which would involve high construction costs and various technical, financial, and political challenges

Keywords

References

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