Concept Note
India’s relationship with the West Asian region has historically been multifaceted, characterised by cultural ties, economic cooperation, and geopolitical interests. This relationship has witnessed significant shifts and developments since 2014, when the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government came to power. The ‘Look West Policy’ aimed to enhance the relationship with the Gulf and other West Asian countries. A smooth relationship was necessary for the Indian economy to tackle the mounting oil price. At the same time, the period also faced challenges such as the growing influence of China in the region and political divergence between the ideology of the ruling party and predominantly Muslim nations in West Asia. This edited book aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of India’s engagement with the countries of West Asia during the tenure of the NDA government, exploring the various dimensions of this strategic relationship
Themes for Chapters:
Chapters of the book can deal with, but are not limited to, the following themes:
- Bilateral Strategic Partnerships: India’s strategic alliances and partnerships with countries like Israel, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Iran, and their implications
- Economic Cooperation: trade, investment, and energy ties between India and West Asia.
- Security Dynamics: evolving security challenges and cooperation frameworks in the context of counterterrorism, maritime security, and defence partnerships.
- Cultural Exchanges: cultural and people-to-people exchanges between India and West Asia, including the role of soft power and diaspora communities.
- India’s approach to the Conflict and Civil War: India’s approaches to conflicts in the region such as Syria, Yemen, Israel-Palestine and Iran-Saudi Arabia.
- Challenges: the obstacles and limitations in India-West Asia relations under the NDA government
Contributions:
We invite scholars, researchers, policymakers, and experts to contribute chapters that offer original insights, empirical analysis, and policy recommendations on various aspects of India- West Asia relations under the NDA government. Contributors are encouraged to adopt interdisciplinary approaches and engage with diverse perspectives to enrich the discourse on this critical geopolitical relationship.
Interested researchers and scholars are invited to submit a chapter proposal of 300 words along with a brief academic profile on or before 31st May 2024 to ashlyramchand@gmail.com or shameermodongal@keralauniversity.ac.in
Editors
Dr Ashly K. Ramachandran is currently serving as an Assistant Professor in West Asian Studies at the University of Kerala. She completed MPhil, and PhD at the University of Kerala with the UGC Junior Research Fellowship (JRF). Her research interests include West Asian history, gender movements in West Asia, and the political participation of Muslim women. Recently, she edited a book entitled, Women Empowerment: Issues and Challenges (New Century Publication). Furthermore, she serves as the editor of the International Journal of Political Science.
Dr. Shameer Modongal teaches West Asian Studies at the University of Kerala. He completed PhD from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi. Recently he edited a book entitled, Women Empowerment: Issues and Challenges (New Century Publication). In 2022, Shameer published two books: Islamic Perspectives on International Conflict Resolution: Theological Debates on the Israel-Palestinian Peace Process (Routledge) and Religion and Nuclear Weapons: A Study of Islamic Republic of Iran and Pakistan (Vij Books India). In 2021, he co-edited the book, Counterterrorism and Global Security: Genesis, Responses and Challenges (Vij Books).