India’s Special Envoy to the Prime Minister for West Asia, H.E. Ambassador Chinmaya Gharekhan, addressed the second IISS Gulf Dialogue in Bahrain on 4 December 2005.
As the lead speaker in the plenary session on ‘Regional Security and International Cooperation’, Ambassador Gharekhan noted that India’s relations with the Gulf countries predate the emergence of oil as a key factor in international relations by a long way and are driven more by ancient and cultural ties than energy resources. Key determinants of India’s vital stake in the region include dependence on oil and gas for nearly 65% of total demand, the largest expatriate Indian community of 3.5 million people and an annual trade value of over $16 billion.
Ambassador Gharekhan concluded that India is prepared to contribute to the security and stability of the Gulf region, including the sharing of Indian experiences and expertise in combating terrorism, maritime security and military training. He also emphasised that India is willing and able to participate in a strong, co-operative and complementary web of international links for regional security and stability.
