o the desire of the US to cut down its global security role is timed with India’s

aspiration to play a greater role in the Indian Ocean.

o The fall in commodity prices, has driven down the logic of diversification among the oil-rich nations in West Asia.

o the rise of religious radicalism globally and India’s ability to largely escape that ominous trend has underlined the success of India’s multicultural social fabric.

o in a world reeling under the long-term negative effects of the financial crisis, India is a remarkable anchor of stability as it continues to be a fast growing economy

♤ Thus, West Asia, especially the gulf states, is ‘looking east’ concerned about the emerging strategic instability in its own neighbourhood and the structural shift in the global energy market.