Flipping through the history pages, one can find a strong bond between India and Syria from their trades, cultures, and voices of support for each other in International Forums. To have a greater connection with West Asia, India has been strengthening its economic strategies with Syria.
Historical Overview
The friendly diplomatic relations between these two countries flourished in 1950 shortly after India's independence. The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)was the foundation that created mutual respect and cooperation between these countries. India and Syria were the founding members of the NAM, and the organization had no military alliance with the major superpower countries like the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War.
Strategic Ties
On the grounds of maintaining the Sovereignty and Integrity of Syria, India has extended its support consistently. This was evident during the Syrian Civil War when India provided humanitarian aid and peaceful solutions. These countries also have cooperated in military training personnel in the defense sector. India aims at having a strategic regional security enhancement by providing Syria, counter-terrorism allies to fight against extremist groups.
Economic Cooperation:
Here we have a list of milestones these countries have achieved through mutual bilateral trading:
- Energy and Resources: India has shown its interest in oil and gas production in Syria. Investing and exchanging technology between these two countries would benefit them on a large scale.
- Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare: India has always provided its helping arms in providing affordable medicines to Syria. During this ongoing crisis, India has addressed Syria’s healthcare needs with its pharmaceutical exports.
- Education and Skill Development: India has enhanced students from Syria with greater skills and has provided a welcoming arm for students from their country to Indian universities and institutions.
- Trading Opportunities: During all the events that happened and that are happening in Syria, both countries continued their trade actively. India exports textiles, machinery, and agricultural products whereas Syria exports dry fruits and raw materials.
Representation image of Energy and Resources
Challenges and Prospects
The ongoing events have hindered India's investment in Syria. Still, India’s stance in global politics will assure Syria’s reconstruction. Looking at the future in Syria, the rebuilding infrastructure will be able to provide Indian companies to extend their services specializing in energy, construction, and IT services. This will again deepen their relationship.
In recent events, India has supported Syria in its needs while also balancing its relationship with other Middle Eastern countries such as Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Israel. Balancing the relationship with these countries is a challenge and it also opens up opportunities for global policies with other countries. The vast availability of Syria’s oil and gas production can be a very good future investment for India. This will positively trigger the mutual growth and wealth of the two countries.
Conclusion
India and Syria's relationship is a commitment of mutual respect and growth and a testament to historical values. By fostering these areas, these two countries will flourish and deepen their relationship partnership for the future.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
The views expressed are personal to the author and do not reflect the platform's opinion of the same.
© Copyright 2024. All Rights Reserved Powered by Vygr Media.
