In a remarkable recognition of India’s diplomatic achievements in the Gulf, External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar has acknowledged with appreciation the relentless efforts of Union Minister V Muraleedharan to strengthen India’s bonds with the Gulf countries in the face of Covid-19 challenges.
Dr. Jaishankar pointed out that Muraleedharan had been instrumental in forging closer relations with these nations and that there has been an evident surge in India’s influence and standing in this region during the last decade. The minister emphasized on keeping pace through interacting with respective communities and dialogue at diplomatic level which are all qualities shown by Muraleedharan.
According to Dr. Jaishankar, when Coronavirus was peaking, Gulf states rendered invaluable support to India including repatriating many stranded Indians as well as supplying vaccines generously. He also added that it was due to effective use of diplomacy by Muraleedharan that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi publicly offered thanks to some Gulf nations for their help on Independence Day.
Dr. Jaishankar, in considering PM Modi’s visit to the UAE in 2015, emphasized how it will affect India’s relations with the Gulf for years to come. Before his arrival, Modi laid the basis for a stronger cooperation between them and established by saying thanks to the UEA administration at large.
As well, there is an intense liking of Gulf nations towards Prime Minister Modi’s recent directives on development efforts in Jammu & Kashmir. The PM stated clearly that he wanted to replace instability with developments aimed at making Jammu & Kashmir flourish economically and become peaceful again. And this attracted potential investors from Gulf countries.
Lastly, the opening of the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi has long-term implications for India-Gulf relations as a whole. For cultural diplomacy under PM Modi, this marks a historic milestone highlighting his importance as a leader and emphasizing its significance in promoting better bilateral ties through mutual cultural understanding.
In summary, Gulf diplomacy by V Muraleedharan, the Union Minister, and strategic initiatives by PM Modi have significantly contributed to India’s cooperation and relations with the Gulf countries in particular when faced with COVID-19 crisis. Their concerted efforts further demonstrates India’s commitment to building robust partnerships and harnessing diplomatic frameworks for mutual benefit and collaboration within the Gulf region.
