India seeks engagement with Syria's fresh administration.
India has taken a significant step in its foreign policy by reaching out to Syria's interim government, aiming to avoid being sidelined in the reconstruction of the war-torn country. This move is crucial for India's economy, as a stable Syria ensures secure trade routes and energy corridors, particularly as India deepens ties with Gulf states and navigates tensions involving Iran.
The interim leadership of Syria is now under the former Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa. India, however, did not establish relations or recognize any new regime in Syria in 2021. The first official Indian delegation visited Damascus, Syria's capital, in late July to meet with the interim government.
The meetings focused on enhancing health cooperation, technical and educational collaboration, and laying the groundwork for humanitarian assistance and future reconstruction efforts. Anil Trigunayat, a former Indian diplomat, highlighted India's long-term strategic thinking in maintaining its embassy in Damascus throughout the Syrian civil war.
Trigunayat also emphasised the need for India to engage with all partners in West Asia, including Syria, "vacuum or not." Shanthie Mariet D'Souza, executive director of Mantraya, noted that any assistance in the form of reconstruction and humanitarian aid would be welcomed by the new Syrian regime, which is still facing instability.
By establishing an early relationship with post-Assad Syria, India protects its interests and reduces the risk of a strategic vacuum that could be exploited by others. This outreach reinforces India's image as a non-aligned power willing to engage with diverse regimes to promote stability.
Syria's longtime dictator, Bashar Assad, was toppled by a coalition of rebel groups in December. Since then, Syria has secured the support of regional powers such as Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Qatar, as well as international powers like the United States. Iran, however, finds itself on a weak wicket in Syria, according to Trigunayat.
Syria's interim leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, is looking to engage with other powers, including India, along with Western and Arab states. Muddassir Quamar, an associate professor at the Centre for West Asian Studies at Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru University, stated that India's outreach is a step towards strengthening regional stability and preventing Syria from becoming a haven for extremist groups.
In conclusion, India's engagement with the new Syrian regime is a strategic move aimed at securing economic interests, promoting stability, and safeguarding the interests of remaining Indians in Syria. This outreach is part of India's broader foreign policy of engaging with diverse regimes to promote peace and development.
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