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India's intelligence cooperation with Gulf partners has become increasingly crucial in the fluid global security landscape. This cooperation extends beyond traditional counterterrorism efforts and encompasses diverse strategic interests. Here we look into the evolving dynamics of India-Gulf intelligence relations, exploring opportunities and challenges amidst changing circumstances.

Background

●     As the Gulfstream jet belonging to India’s foreign intelligence service, the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), landed at New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport on 30 January 2019, the scene was set for a significant development in Indo-Gulf intelligence collaboration. On board were Rajiv Saxena and Deepak Talwar, associates of British arms dealer Christian Miche, who were promptly taken into custody upon arrival from Dubai. This event underscored the deepening ties between Indian intelligence agencies and their Gulf counterparts.

●     Amidst a shifting global landscape, India's strategic interests increasingly converge with those of Gulf states, notably the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia (KSA). Intelligence cooperation, often overlooked yet pivotal, stands as a cornerstone of this partnership.

●     Illustrating the scale of collaboration, numerous cases, including the extradition of fugitives like Sayyed Zabihuddin Ansari and Sabeel Ahmed from Saudi Arabia and the UAE, highlight the trust underpinning the Indo-Gulf intelligence nexus. Moreover, instances such as the arrests of Abdul Karim ‘Tunda’ and Yasin Bhatkal along India’s border with Nepal, aided by Emirati intelligence, signify the breadth of cooperation transcending the Middle East.

●     With the trajectory of India-Gulf relations on an upward trend, agreements like the one ratified in April 2023 between R&AW and Saudi Arabia’s Presidency of State Security (PSS) further solidify collaboration, particularly in combating terrorist activities and financing.

Opportunities in Intelligence Cooperation

Enhanced Strategic Alignment

●     India's strategic interests align closely with Gulf states like the UAE and Saudi Arabia, fostering a robust foundation for intelligence collaboration. This alignment has led to notable successes, such as the extradition of fugitives and joint counterterrorism efforts.

●     Moreover, India's participation in initiatives like BRICS and its growing engagement with Gulf monarchies reflect shared strategic priorities. This alignment creates opportunities for intelligence sharing and joint initiatives in areas like supply chain security and emerging technologies. For instance, the signing of agreements between the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) and Saudi Arabia’s Presidency of State Security (PSS) demonstrates a commitment to cooperate on matters related to terrorist crimes and financing.

Economic Corridors and Regional Connectivity

●     Joint commitment to securing supply chains and promoting regional connectivity has paved the way for economic corridors like the IMEC. Intelligence cooperation plays a vital role in safeguarding these initiatives against threats like maritime piracy and terrorist attacks.

●     Furthermore, the sharing of maritime intelligence and financial intelligence (FININT) can strengthen security measures along economic corridors. Bilateral and multilateral mechanisms facilitate intelligence sharing and collaboration in areas critical to regional stability and economic development. This includes initiatives like the I2U2 and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), which provide platforms for intelligence cooperation among member states.

●     Additionally, the focus on emerging technologies, such as smart cities and green hydrogen initiatives, presents opportunities for intelligence collaboration in research and development (R&D) and technology security. By leveraging intelligence assets and expertise, India and Gulf partners can accelerate technological innovation and enhance cybersecurity resilience.

Expansion of Diplomatic Channels

●     India's growing global ambitions necessitate diversified diplomatic engagements facilitated by intelligence cooperation with Gulf partners. Backchannel diplomacy, often facilitated by Gulf states, provides avenues for discreet negotiations and conflict resolution.

●     The normalization of relations between Gulf states and Israel underscores the potential for expanded diplomatic engagement facilitated by intelligence channels. Leveraging these channels, India can navigate complex geopolitical landscapes and advance its strategic objectives.

●     Moreover, intelligence cooperation enables India to establish and maintain diplomatic relations with countries in the Middle East and beyond. By leveraging intelligence assets and networks, India can engage in proactive diplomacy and contribute to regional stability and peace.

Challenges and Solutions

Adapting to Changing Threat Landscape

●     The evolving global threat landscape necessitates a shift in intelligence priorities from traditional counterterrorism to broader security concerns. Challenges such as interstate competition and emerging technologies require innovative approaches to intelligence cooperation.

●     Diversification of intelligence priorities to include maritime security, financial intelligence, and counterintelligence is imperative. Tripartite cooperation between India, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE can address shared challenges like IP theft and technology security.

●     Additionally, the proliferation of digital platforms and cyber threats requires enhanced cybersecurity measures and technological capabilities. Investments in cyber intelligence and information sharing platforms can facilitate rapid response to cyber threats and protect critical infrastructure.

Managing Risks in Backchannel Diplomacy

●     While Gulf states serve as conduits for backchannel diplomacy, risks exist, as evidenced by the espionage arrests in Qatar. Effective intelligence backchannels require closer collaboration with regional intelligence agencies and proactive risk mitigation strategies.

●     Widening horizons to engage with intelligence agencies in countries like Morocco, Oman, and Bahrain enhances resilience and diplomatic flexibility. Building robust relations with neutral or cordial actors strengthens India's intelligence network and mitigates risks in clandestine diplomacy.

●     Furthermore, intelligence cooperation enables India to monitor and address security threats in the Gulf region, contributing to regional stability and peace. By leveraging intelligence assets and networks, India can enhance its diplomatic relations and strategic influence in the Middle East and beyond.

Technological Adaptation and Cybersecurity

●     Emerging technologies present both opportunities and challenges for intelligence cooperation. The proliferation of digital platforms and cyber threats requires enhanced cybersecurity measures and technological capabilities.

●     Investments in cyber intelligence and information sharing platforms can facilitate rapid response to cyber threats and protect critical infrastructure. Collaboration with Gulf partners on cybersecurity initiatives fosters mutual trust and strengthens resilience against cyber attacks.

●     Moreover, intelligence cooperation enables India to leverage emerging technologies for strategic advantage. By investing in R&D and technology security, India and Gulf partners can accelerate innovation and enhance regional competitiveness.

Conclusion

India-Gulf intelligence relations are evolving to meet the challenges of a multipolar world. While traditional areas of cooperation remain important, new opportunities emerge in economic corridors, emerging technologies, and backchannel diplomacy. Adapting to the fluid security landscape requires proactive collaboration, diversification of priorities, and strategic engagement with regional actors. By leveraging these opportunities and addressing challenges effectively, India and its Gulf partners can enhance security and stability in the region.

Source- ORF