'India needs to develop policy for each Persian Gulf state'

NEW DELHI: Observing that Gulf countries see India in a positive light, Vice-President Hamid Ansari on Saturday said a challenge lies before the country to develop policies specific for each of these small states.

"Firstly, the Persian Gulf sees India as an emerging power in their neighbourhood, secondly as a major destination for their primary exports, thirdly as a possible investment centre and fourthly as a major source of skilled manpower," he said.

"The challenge before India is to develop policy approaches for each of these small states," Ansari told a seminar on "India and the Gulf".

The Vice-President said domestic stability and regional security are principal requirements for the Persian Gulf in order to remain principal suppliers of oil and gas to the world. These Gulf states are, however, undergoing changes and the reforms need to be evolutionary, he added.

Developments in domestic scene of each of these states need to be watched carefully, Ansari said adding each society will develop its own role to participate in governance.

"Complexity characterises inter-state relations in the region. The process will neither be short nor easy, but nevertheless should be undertaken," he said. Ansari observed the pressure emanating from Islamist groups and tendencies are unlikely to subside and may gather momentum.

"At the same time, the low level of political activity in GCC states and the ingrained culture of tribal consensus that persists despite urbanisation are likely to keep them within manageable limits," he said.