It was highlighted in a report published by the Italian Institute for International Political Studies.
- Extended Neighbourhood is defined in geographical terms. It includes countries in the Indian Ocean Region, East Africa, Gulf Region, Central Asian Region and in south-east Asia.
Strategic convergence in relation with Gulf Region
- Economic: The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is India’s largest regional bloc trading partner.
- Energy security: India imported 55.3% of its total crude oil in 2022–23 from the Gulf region.
- Regional geo-economic and connectivity focus: Engagement in various groups like I2U2 (India, Israel, United Arab Emirates, United States), India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), etc.
- Defence and security cooperation: Such as securing maritime lines of communication from pirates.
- Welfare of Indian diaspora: More than 8 million Indians (or people of Indian origin) working in and around this region.
Challenges
- Hamas-Israel war and the Red Sea attacks on Indian ships by Yemen’s houthis.
- Growing engagement of Gulf countries with China.
About Gulf Cooperation Council
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