India’s maritime security relations with the gulf cooperation council countries – Prospects amid rising Chinese influence

ABSTRACT The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are a vital source for India’s energy requirements and home to a large population of Indian workers. Although for quite some time now, India’s strategic influence in the Gulf region has been overshadowed by Pakistan, recent developments seem to present India with an opportunity to expand its influence led by maritime security cooperation. However, the growth of Chinese economic and political influence in the region presents some tough challenges. This paper examines India’s extant security ties with the GCC countries and their relations with China, with an aim to make a relative assessment of India’s strategic influence and discusses the prospects for India’s position in the region.