India refrains from taking sides in Saudi & UAE conflict over Yemen
A source familiar with the matter said the government has not yet issued a statement on the conflict between two of its close partners in the Gulf because it does not want to appear embroiled in the crisis. India is closely monitoring the Yemeni battlefield as an expansion of the conflict could affect India’s trade, oil supplies and diaspora in the region, according to the person.
Controlling Yemen is critical for both Saudi Arabia and the UAE to expand their influence in the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean Region and the Horn of Africa. Saudi Arabia supports a united Yemen, while the UAE supports separatists in southern Yemen.
UAE has emerged as India’s main partner in West Asia. Saudi Arabia has the largest diaspora in the region and is a major supplier of crude oil. India expects an increase in investments from Saudi Arabia and is also looking for ways to increase exports to the country. India-UAE relations have strengthened over the last decade, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting the Gulf country seven times since 2015. The foreign and trade ministers of the two countries have made many mutual visits in the last few years. Ties have expanded since the UAE recognized Israel under the US-brokered Abraham Accords.
