India's Policy towards West Asia during the First Term of Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Abstract

Since Prime Minister Modi came to power, India's goal has been to "become a leading power, not just a global balancing force" and aimed to a "responsible global power" in international affairs. To achieve this strategic goal, along with the "Act East" policy being effectively implemented, the "Link West policy" with a focus on West Asia is also being implemented. This policy adjustment marks the expansion of India's "footprint" in West Asia, demonstrating a "strategic calculation" that has been taking shape with a comprehensive commitment to ensure both strengthening economic ties and institutionalizing long-term security cooperation with this region. India's policy towards West Asia under Prime Minister Modi is a modified succession to the previous governments. On the one hand, Prime Minister Modi continues the policy of neutrality, non-intervention, and non-alignment of the Congress Party since the Cold War. But on the other hand, Prime Minister Modi has made flexible adjustments in line with the fluctuations in West Asia and India. By policy analysis method, the article focuses on clarifying: (i) Objectives and content of India's policy towards West Asia; (ii) Policy implementation; (iii) Thereby, making assessments on the characteristics and results of policy implementation.