Context: This article is based on an Editorial “Decoding Putin’s Dramatic Visit to the Gulf” which was published in the Hindu. Recently, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s interactions with Gulf leaders have brought Russia into the mainstream. 

• He announced his standing for elections in 2024 and affirmed for leading Russia at least up to 2030 and possibly beyond.

The outcomes of Vladimir Putin’s Visit to the Gulf

• The recent visit achieved mutual goodwill and cordiality. 
  • With UAE: Importance of strengthening dialogue and cooperation.
  • With Saudi Arabia: The development of friendly relations.

Targeted Agendas of Vladimir Putin’s Visit to the Gulf

• Continued cooperation among “OPEC +” members on oil policy.
• Exchange of views on the Ukraine and Gaza conflicts.
• Increasing humanitarian assistance to the Palestinians trapped in Gaza.
• Enhancing bilateral-political-economic ties. 

Learn about the Organisation Of The Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), here.

Significance of the Recent Actions for Russia

• No Support to U.S. Sanctions: Despite the long-standing alliance with the U.S., both the UAE and Saudi Arabia have in recent years been asserting “strategic autonomy” and have prioritized expanding ties with China and Russia. 
  • The UAE is now Russia’s most important trade partner in the Gulf. 
• Mutual Cooperation: Many Russians have set up alternative homes, businesses, and investments in the UAE. 
  • Cooperation is high and desirable in the technology sector. 
    • Restrictions by West: The West has placed the UAE under scrutiny to ensure that restrictions on the export of hi-tech products to Russia are complied with. 
  • Support by Russia: Russia supports Saudi Arabia’s civilian nuclear programme at the opportune moment.
• Strategic Bilateral Relationship: Iran and Russia challenge the West’s global strategic leadership. They have built substantial bilateral relations in the energy and military areas. 
  • Visible Support: In November, it was reported that Iran would get Sukhoi Su-35 aircraft from Russia, as well as training aircraft and attack helicopters. Iran has boosted Russia’s military prowess in Ukraine with supplies of drones, ammunition, and body armor.
• On Israel Front: Both Russia and Iran, called for an immediate end to Israel’s “genocide and crimes against humanity” which, they said, was backed by the U.S. and Western powers.

Agenda and Target of Russia

• A Message of Non-Isolation: The trip was a message to the World that Russia was not isolated and it had close ties with the UAE and Saudi Arabia, which were earlier the U.S.’s closest allies in the region.
• Assurance to Regional Stability: Based on Russia’s close ties with Iran, the UAE, and the Kingdom the Gaza war will not spread across the region, conveying the assurance that Iran will restrain the Hezbollah and the Houthis in Yemen in the interests of regional stability.
• Projection of Image in Diplomatic Role: Russia is desiring a deeper strategic and political alignment between the Gulf Cooperation Council states and Iran, to project itself in a diplomatic role with China in the region.
• A Credible Player in West Asia: The region is supporting Russia and China in managing regional political and diplomatic challenges while excluding the U.S. from this arrangement. 
• His Image for Russia: Mr. Vladimir Putin gave advance notice that he will be seeking re-election in 2024 and lead Russia at least till the end of this decade.

Conclusion:

These such recent interactions of Russia with Gulf leaders have brought Russia into the mainstream of West Asian affairs and affirmed that the Sino-Russian alliance will challenge U.S. hegemony and seek to redefine the regional political order.

• India needs to take a lesson from this episode by maintaining mutual and coordinated ties with the West Asian region, otherwise, China would become a serious threat to India in that region.

Also Read: India-Russia Trade Relations