Humanitarian Diplomacy as a Tool for India's Middle East Strategy

Abstract

India is among the first responders to Türkiye’s call for international help following the devastating earthquakes which occurred on February 6, 2023. India’s immediate and large-scale relief effort operation has been deliberately named as Operation Dost, which is a common word between Turkish and Hindi, meaning ‘friend.’ This relief operation is the latest example of India’s rising humanitarian aid to the Middle East region. India’s relief efforts in the Middle East include providing scholarships, healthcare services, and shelter for those affected by civil wars, conflicts, and disasters. Although one cannot rule out the moral side of this humanitarian effort, India’s increasing attention in responding humanitarian crises in the region also has strategic dimension. There is an undeniable connection between a state’s foreign interests and its engagement in humanitarian action. Humanitarian aid promotes diplomatic relations with recipient countries, enhancing donor country’s reputation. The Middle East region is a critical energy and remittances source for India. India aims to protect its interests in the Middle East especially after its regional rival the People’s Republic of China (PRC) also increases its presence. Humanitarian aid is an appropriate tool for India to boost its visibility among the countries and the peoples of the Middle East. In long-term, successful humanitarian aid builds up diplomatic capital, strengthening India’s position in the region.