1.6. Basis of Expanding Cooperation

♤ No major power has the kind of people-to-people socio-cultural compatibility and socio- economic interdependence with countries of the Gulf region, in particular with G.C.C. countries that India has.

♤ Except for continuing O.I.C. activism relating to Kashmir in particular, there are no bilaterally contentious political issues between India and the G.C.C. countries.

♤ India is very proud of being the world's largest democracy but India believes strongly that it is not the business of foreign countries to impose forms of government on other countries; in fact,

♤ India believes that monarchies in G.C.C. countries are a factor of stability, fully in keeping with the customs, ethos and traditions of the Arabian Peninsula.

♤ The deadly terrorist attacks in November 2008 in Mumbai was a watershed — the G.C.C. countries finally recognized the potential dangers to the region of Pakistani-sponsored terrorism against India.

♤ Since then in particular Saudi Arabia and the U.A.E. have provided excellent and expanding anti-terrorism cooperation by repatriating those India wanted for terrorist activity .♤ The Gulf Arab states 85 percent of its natural gas requirements ♤ India has signed Labour Agreements with multiple GCC countries including Saudi Arabia and the UAE.domestic investment and infrastructural development.1.6.4. Security Ties ♤ India’s maritime doctrine of 2009 and 2015 state that the Gulf and Arabian Sea are vital ♤ In recent years, India has signed security and defense agreements with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, and Qatar.