Volume I Issue III July 2021

Name of Author : Dr.Valluri Prasadarao

Title of the paper : Indian Foreign Policy and International Relations with West Asia

Abstract: In fact, despite certain differences in geographical size population, religion, region, and culture, India and West Asian countries have quite a good number of characteristics in common. Both have a long history of glorious ancient civilizations whose cultural heritages have enriched the world and their people have drawn their inspiration from it. Both the countries gained independence from the colonial powers at about the same period of time. In ancient times Indians had experiences of contacts with West Asian region in general and with Palestine in particular, cultural and commercial contacts between people of the two regions are well known. It also seen the Egyptian mummies were wrapped in Indian muslins and trade between Indians and Arabs brought the latter to India and several of them permanently settled in India. On the other side, we also see many Indians permanently settled in the Arab world. Also Yemeni traders were intermediaries for Indian trade with the Roman Empire. Subsequently contacts were intensified with the Haj route from India rurming through Yemen. In 1839 Aden became part of the British Empire, administered by the Bombay presidency. The Aden administration was separated from India in April 1937. India was one of the first countries to recognize Yemen after the 26 September, 1962 revolution and formation on 29 November 1967 south Yemen previous. In fact the relation between the people of India and that region is oldest history much older than Islam itself. Enormous evidences had been found from historical records that India had a close relationship with West Asia in various fields culture commerce, religion, medicines and politics. This brings us to believe that Palestine would also be no exception. Palestine, in all probability could not have kept aloof of all the ongoing flows of contact. Indian perceptions of Zionism, as opposed to the Jews during Indias independence movement greatly shaped Indias policy after independence. Nehru, in the speech referred to the Palestine issue, while expressing his sympathy for the Jews because of their sufferings, clearly stated that Palestine is essentially an Arab country and no decision can be made witliout the consent of the Arabs and the issue would be settled between the two communities in Co-operation and not by any appeal to or reliance upon any outsiders.

Keywords : India, foreign policy, relation, Asian countries

DOI :

Page No. : 66-76