New Delhi’s Strategic Pivot: Former Diplomat Talmiz Ahmad Calls for Active Engagement in West Asia
In a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape, former Indian Ambassador Talmiz Ahmad has urged New Delhi to recalibrate its West Asian strategy. Drawing on his extensive experience across the region, including high-level tenures in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Oman, the veteran diplomat argues that India must transition from a reactive, bilateral approach to a more proactive, collective regional role to protect its core interests.
Beyond Bilateralism: A New Regional Calculus
For years, India has successfully compartmentalized its relationships in West Asia, maintaining robust ties with Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Israel simultaneously. While this balancing act has served India well, Ahmad suggests it is no longer sufficient.
“India should look beyond bilateral ties and engage more diplomatically with the region as a whole,” Ahmad stated. He emphasized that New Delhi’s unique credibility with diverse regional players positions it to act as a constructive force for stability. By stepping into a more integrative diplomatic role, India can better navigate the complexities of a region often caught between the maximalist policies of global powers and local security dilemmas.
The Challenge of Energy and Connectivity
India’s energy security remains inextricably linked to the volatile chokepoints of the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb. While India has sought to diversify its energy sources, Ahmad warns that there is no realistic substitute for the Gulf’s capacity.
Addressing the vulnerability of these maritime lifelines, he advocated for a renewed strategic focus on Iran. Despite lingering international pressures, Ahmad maintains that deepening ties with Tehran is essential for both energy security and regional connectivity. Furthermore, he noted that on the critical issue of maritime security—protecting sea lanes, undersea cables, and data centers—India’s interests often align with China’s. He urged New Delhi to view Beijing as a potential partner in stabilizing these corridors rather than an inevitable adversary.
Navigating Ties with Pakistan
The conversation also touched upon the persistent impasse with Pakistan. While Ahmad acknowledged that dialogue is necessary to manage tensions, he remained firm that “sustained confrontation” is the current reality so long as Pakistan employs cross-border terror as a tool of statecraft.
Reflecting on the shifting regional dynamics, he questioned the coherence of Pakistan’s foreign policy, particularly given the role of Pakistani military officials in the new Mecca Defence Pact. “Every country in West Asia abhors extremism,” he noted, pointing out that Pakistan’s continued support for non-state actors undermines its own standing and creates regional insecurity that forces other nations to move closer to India for strategic partnerships.
Strategic Autonomy in a Multipolar World
On the global stage, India’s commitment to strategic autonomy remains its defining feature. Ahmad dismissed concerns that India would be forced to take sides between the US, Russia, and China. He argued that the era of a US-led security hegemony is waning, replaced by a truly multipolar order where “middle powers” like India carry increasing weight.
“The multipolar world order is already here,” Ahmad asserted. He noted that despite pressure from Washington regarding India’s balanced approach to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, India’s economic growth and diversified global partnerships provide it with the resilience to prioritize national interest over external mandates.
As India looks toward the future, the message from one of its most seasoned diplomats is clear: the time for cautious, peripheral engagement has passed. To secure its energy future and assert its influence, India must become a visible, active, and unifying presence in West Asia.
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