India’s rise as a leading global power is opening new strategic and economic possibilities across West Asia, Israeli Ambassador Reuven Azar said while addressing a seminar in New Delhi. Emphasising what he described as a shifting “strategic geography”, Azar noted that India’s growth trajectory has altered regional calculations, creating fresh opportunities for deeper partnerships between Israel, India and key West Asian actors. He pointed to evolving economic chains linking India with Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Israel through emerging trade corridors and connectivity initiatives, reflecting a gradual but significant integration of regional markets.
Azar underscored that while West Asia continues to face tensions and security challenges, its centrality to global trade, labour mobility and economic connectivity remains undiminished. He described connectivity not merely as infrastructure development but as a strategic instrument that binds economies and enhances regional stability. A central theme of his remarks was the deepening trust between India and Israel, visible in expanding cooperation across infrastructure, finance, technology and strategic sectors. Expressing optimism about the prospective signing of a Free Trade Agreement, he said such a step would institutionalise gains already achieved and elevate the partnership to a new level. Regional cooperation, he stressed, remains indispensable for ensuring prosperity and long-term stability.
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The remarks were delivered at a seminar titled, 'Exploring a New Strategic Geography in India–West Asia Relations: Coalitions, Connectivity and Converging Interests', organised earlier this week by Red Lantern Analytica in collaboration with the Greater West Asia Forum, India. The gathering brought together diplomats, policy makers, scholars and students to examine the evolving contours of India’s engagement with West Asia in a multi-polar era.
Delivering the chief guest address, Rajya Sabha MP Sujeet Kumar highlighted the strengthening India-Israel partnership and its growing strategic weight. He emphasised cooperation in clean energy, defence, innovation and research and development as pillars of sustained strategic advancement.
The seminar featured two plenary sessions that examined shifting security architectures and geoeconomic realignments. Discussions in the first session focused on maritime cooperation, coalition-building and India’s role as a stabilising diplomatic actor amid regional power competition. The second session explored expanding economic engagement beyond energy trade to include technology partnerships, supply chain integration, renewable energy, migration frameworks and food security, alongside the strategic relevance of emerging connectivity corridors.
Concluding the seminar, Fares Saeb, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Israel in New Delhi, addressed challenges of narrative warfare and the influence of digital platforms on global political discourse. He underscored the importance of strategic communication and constructive engagement as India navigates an increasingly multi-polar landscape while maintaining strategic autonomy.
