India should boost ties with the Arab world

Manmohan Singh's historic tour of Saudi Arabia, the first by an Indian prime minister since 1982, yielded 10 bilateral agreements and the issuing of the Riyadh Declaration for the cementing of relations between the two countries. The Indian prime minister was also accorded the rare honour of addressing the Majlis Al Shura in Riyadh.

The Riyadh Declaration, which endorses a new era of strategic partnership between the two countries in a number of important areas, including the signing of an extradition treaty, is a case in point.

Keeping the success of this tour as a barometer perhaps it is time for India to review its approach to the Arab world. Clearly, it should do more. As a regional superpower India must recognise that it has a larger role to play instead of perceiving itself to be just an exporter of labour to the region's growing markets.

The Arab world has for centuries shared historic ties with India and this was largely based on trade. Today, that relationship with age-old friends must be broadened and as a country with a growing global voice, India must take this initiative and increase the perimeters of a new and mutually rewarding association.

The cementing of ties with Saudi Arabia sends a message that the time is now ripe for India to take that all important first step. It should make that one giant leap instead of tip-toeing cautiously with its soft diplomacy.

India's ties with Israel also cannot come at the cost of its historic links with the Arabs and Palestine. It must also show more sensitivity and voice towards the plight of the Iraqi people. As a country that upholds peace and dignity India must favour justice.

With great power and influence comes greater responsibility and India must exercise these strengths in a way that is befitting of its growing status in the global political arena.