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Context:

• The United States is trying to formalise a mutual defence treaty with Saudi Arabia, and help Israel in its conflicts with Hamas and Iran, such that “Israel and Saudi Arabia are trading places” as per the columnist Thomas Friedman.

Details of proposed treaty :

The US is actively pursuing a mutual defense treaty with Saudi Arabia, while also supporting Israel in its conflicts with Hamas and Iran. This strategy aims to strengthen US alliances in the Middle East and counter China's growing influence in the region.

• The proposed deal with Saudi Arabia includes several key aspects:
  • US oversight and control of Saudi Arabia's civilian nuclear energy program to ensure non-proliferation and security.
  • A mutual defense pact, which may involve commitments or informal agreements, aimed at enhancing security cooperation between the US and Saudi Arabia.
  • Saudi Arabia's commitment to continue using US dollars for pricing oil, preventing a shift to the Chinese yuan that could impact global financial dynamics.
  • A critical component for the success of the US-Saudi Arabia deal is the normalization of relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel. This normalization is due to certain actions from Israel, including:
    • Ceasing military activities in Gaza and freezing settlement construction in the West Bank.
    • Initiating a structured pathway over three to five years to establish a Palestinian state in occupied territories.
  • Benefits for US:
    • Achieving a mutual defense treaty with Saudi Arabia and facilitating peace between Israel and its adversaries would offer significant advantages for US in Demonstrating US leadership and re-engagement in the region, countering perceptions of declining American influence amid China's strategic advancements.

India is stakeholder in this because of good relations of India with other countries in middle east:

• India-Saudi Arabia Relations:
  • India's relationship with Saudi Arabia has evolved into a robust economic partnership, characterized by:
    • Bilateral trade valued at $52.76 billion, making India the second-largest trade partner for Saudi Arabia.
    • Significant investments from Saudi entities like ARAMCO, SABIC, and others in Indian startups and sectors.
    • Energy cooperation, with Saudi Arabia emerging as a major source of crude oil and petroleum products for India.
  • India-Israel Relations:
    • India's ties with Israel have deepened, focusing on defense, security, innovation, and strategic collaborations:
      • Trade volumes exceeding $10 billion, with Israel as a key trading partner and supplier of defense equipment.
      • Technological cooperation in areas like smart irrigation systems and high-tech communications, addressing India's security and developmental needs.
    • Strategic Partnerships and Challenges for India:
      • India's strategic engagements with Saudi Arabia and Israel are part of its broader foreign policy objectives in the Middle East and beyond:
        • These partnerships allow India to pursue its interests independently of domestic politics and regional dynamics.
        • Challenges such as the Gaza conflict and terrorism pose diplomatic tests for India, requiring credible strategies to maintain stability and promote peace in the region.

Israel palistine war: read here

https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/israel-palestine-conflict-15-9

India’s stake in Israel palestine War:

https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/indias-stakes-in-the-iran-israel-conflict-and-its-stand#:~:text=Overall%2C%20India's%20stake%20in%20Israel,relations%20of%20India%20with%20Israel.

Source:

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/israel-saudi-arabia-and-churn-in-the-middle-east-the-view-from-india-9321088/

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