Why West Asia is key for India beyond trade

• The ongoing Israel-Iran conflict has heightened concerns for India’s strategic, economic, and human interests in the region.

• Operation Sindhu: Evacuation Highlights Risk

• Over 2,000 Indian nationals evacuated from Iran and Israel.

• Reflects India’s high sensitivity to regional instability.

• West Asia hosts 25% of India’s 35 million overseas population.

• UAE: 3.6 million

• Saudi Arabia: 2.5 million

• Kuwait: 1 million

• Qatar: 0.8 million

• Oman: 0.7 million

• 11,000 Indian students studied in West Asia in 2024, mainly in UAE, Iran, and Israel.

• The UAE is a hub for both blue-collar workers and high-skilled professionals, drawn by tax incentives and long-term visa options.

• India received $118 billion in remittances in 2023–24.

• West Asia contributed $45 billion (38%):

• UAE: 19.2%

• Saudi Arabia: 6.7%

• Kuwait: 3.9%

• Israel and Iran are not major remittance sources but are part of the larger regional network.

• West Asia is vital for oil imports and exports.

• Any escalation beyond Israel and Iran (e.g., attacks in Qatar, Iraq) may disrupt India's energy security and trade routes.

• Precedent: Ukraine War’s Impact on Indian Students

• Indian students in Ukraine dropped from 2,200 (2022) to 252 (2024).

• Similar disruptions could occur in West Asia if tensions escalate.