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New Delhi Pursues Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Riyadh

Indian Defense Minister Ajay Bhatt in an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat (PHOTO CREDIT: Mishaal al-Qadir)
Indian Defense Minister Ajay Bhatt in an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat (PHOTO CREDIT: Mishaal al-Qadir)
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New Delhi Pursues Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Riyadh

Indian Defense Minister Ajay Bhatt in an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat (PHOTO CREDIT: Mishaal al-Qadir)
Indian Defense Minister Ajay Bhatt in an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat (PHOTO CREDIT: Mishaal al-Qadir)

Indian Defense Minister Ajay Bhatt has expressed India's interest in collaborating with Saudi Arabia on joint defense projects and technology transfers.

Bhatt highlighted the importance of this bilateral defense partnership in the overall strategic relationship between the two countries, stating that it is progressing steadily as part of their defense cooperation efforts.

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Bhatt said: “By combining India's 'Make in India' initiative and Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, we can work together to create joint projects and technology transfer agreements for defense equipment manufacturing.”

“Both nations are also collaborating on new defense technologies,” revealed the minister.

Bhatt, who is heading an Indian delegation to the World Defense Show 2024 in Riyadh, highlighted the cooperation between Indian and Saudi armed forces through the Joint Committee for Defense Cooperation (JCDC).

“Last year, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman visited India, marking significant improvement in relations,” said the minister.

Bhatt also noted collaboration in new defense technologies between India and Saudi Arabia. He mentioned a recent seminar organized by the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, supported by Saudi agencies.

While the Strategic Partnership Council between India and Saudi Arabia aims for long-term cooperation, Bhatt emphasized a growing partnership in defense.

He anticipated continued collaboration, especially in research and development for advanced defense technologies like ammunition, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.

Bhatt acknowledged India’s efforts to strengthen domestic defense production and Saudi Arabia’s focus on localizing industries.

At the World Defense Show, Bhatt had productive meetings with Saudi officials, expressing gratitude for their hospitality. He highlighted the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Munitions India Limited and its local partner.

The minister highlighted that the defense deals signed reflect the ongoing collaboration between Indian and Saudi companies in defense.

Bhatt noted that his visit to the Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) booth at the defense exhibition in Riyadh was fruitful for future cooperation.

Defense Industry Insights

“In line with our strengthening bilateral ties, Indian firms are keen to showcase their defense products in the Saudi market,” remarked Bhatt.

“With trust between us, the Indian government fully backs these efforts. At the World Defense Show, many Indian companies are participating, accessing Saudi Arabia's defense market.”

“During my visit, I saw top-notch Indian products drawing interest. This platform will boost Indian companies’ visibility,” added the minister.

He stressed that the World Defense Show offers ample opportunities for cooperation, including technology transfer and research.

Collaborative Programs

Bhatt mentioned ongoing joint ground forces exercises in India and regular naval exchanges. He highlighted the importance of reciprocal visits in strengthening ties and exploring new cooperation avenues, citing recent high-level exchanges between Indian and Saudi military leaders.

“In early January 2024, Saudi Navy Commander Admiral Fahd bin Abdullah Al-Ghafili visited India for four days. He interacted with top Indian military leaders and government officials,” mentioned Bhatt.

He noted that the visit positively impacted the Saudi Navy Commander’s engagement with Indian defense firms. He got hands-on experience with Indian training institutes in Kochi and visited the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.

“We also have substantial cooperation in medical fields between our armed forces through specialized exchanges,” added Bhatt.

“We aim to keep up this momentum in bilateral defense ties, exploring new avenues in the future,” he affirmed.

Security in the Red Sea Navigation

Speaking about threats in the Red Sea, Bhatt said: “India stands for freedom of navigation in the Red Sea but is concerned about attacks on commercial ships, which disrupt trade and endanger sailors’ lives.”

“India closely watches developments there and has naval ships in the Gulf of Aden and Arabian Sea, actively supporting commercial vessels and crew,” he added.

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Interviews

Al-Sharaa to Asharq Al-Awsat: Revolution Ended with Regime’s Fall, Will Not Be Exported

Ahmed Al-Sharaa in the interview with Bissane El-Cheikh in Damascus on Thursday
Ahmed Al-Sharaa in the interview with Bissane El-Cheikh in Damascus on Thursday
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Al-Sharaa to Asharq Al-Awsat: Revolution Ended with Regime’s Fall, Will Not Be Exported

Ahmed Al-Sharaa in the interview with Bissane El-Cheikh in Damascus on Thursday
Ahmed Al-Sharaa in the interview with Bissane El-Cheikh in Damascus on Thursday

Ahmed Al-Sharaa, the head of the new Syrian administration, told Asharq Al-Awsat that “the Syrian revolution ended with the regime's fall, and we will not allow it to spread elsewhere.”

He stressed that Syria “will not be used to attack or destabilize any Arab or Gulf country.”

Speaking from the Presidential Palace in Damascus on Thursday, Al-Sharaa said the Syrian opposition’s actions had “set the Iranian project in the region back by 40 years.”

Asked why Syria has yet to send a direct message to the Gulf and major Arab nations, Al-Sharaa responded by saying that his country has much to say to its Arab neighbors.

“Syria had become a platform for Iran to control key Arab capitals, spread wars, and destabilize the Gulf with drugs like Captagon,” he said.

He added: “By removing Iranian militias and closing Syria to Iranian influence, we’ve served the region’s interests—achieving what diplomacy and external pressure could not, with minimal losses.”

Al-Sharaa also criticized efforts to restore ties with the former Syrian regime, including its return to the Arab League in exchange for concessions.

“We were confident this would fail because we knew the regime would not make any genuine concessions or approach these overtures in good faith,” he said.

He claimed that during a meeting with Jordanian officials, the former regime was asked why it insisted on exporting Captagon to Jordan.

“The response was that it would not stop unless sanctions were lifted," Al-Sharaa said, adding “this is not how the regime operates.”

He emphasized that Gulf strategic security has since improved. “Today, the Iranian project in the region has been pushed back 40 years, making the Gulf more secure and stable.”

When asked if he would give reassurances on Syria not becoming a refuge for certain figures, Al-Sharaa dismissed concerns about hosting figures who cause concern for some Arab nations, saying Syria will not become a haven for controversial individuals.

“We are now focused on state-building. The revolution ended with the regime's fall, and we will not allow it to spread elsewhere. Syria will not be a platform to threaten or unsettle any Arab or Gulf country,” he said.

Al-Sharaa stressed that Syria seeks to rebuild and strengthen ties with Arab nations. “Syria is tired of wars and being used for others’ agendas. We want to restore trust and rebuild our country as part of the Arab world.”

He praised the Gulf’s progress, saying: “We admire the development in Gulf countries, particularly Saudi Arabia’s bold plans and vision, and we aspire to achieve similar progress for Syria.”

He added: “There are many opportunities for cooperation, especially in economic and developmental areas, where we can align our goals.”

On Syria’s relationship with its neighbor Lebanon, Al-Sharaa acknowledged concerns raised by Lebanese counterparts about him reaching Damascus, fearing it could strengthen one faction over another in Lebanon.

“We are not seeking any form of dominance over Lebanon,” he said. “We want a relationship based on mutual respect and exchange, without interfering in Lebanon’s internal affairs. We have enough work to do in our own country.”

Al-Sharaa emphasized Syria’s intention to maintain balanced relations, saying he aims “to stand equally with all Lebanese groups, and what pleases them, pleases us.”

Al-Sharaa was asked about a national dialogue conference and a new constitution to guide Syria’s future, and the mechanism that he plans to ensure inclusivity for all Syrians in the process, especially among the base of supporters and fighters who do not necessarily agree with his current moderate speech.

Al-Sharaa acknowledged differing opinions but emphasized he does not want to impose his personal views on Syrians.

“I believe in letting legal experts shape the relationship between citizens, with the law as the guide,” he said.

“Syria is diverse, and it's natural for there to be different opinions. This difference is healthy.”

Al-Sharaa stressed that the recent victory is for all Syrians, not one group over another.

“Even those we thought were loyal to the old regime expressed joy, as they had not been able to openly express their feelings before,” he noted.

He expressed confidence that Syrians, regardless of their background, are aware enough to protect their country.

“My aim is to reach a broad agreement and build a country where the rule of law helps resolve our differences,” Al-Sharaa concluded.

On the complex issue of forced disappearances and individuals missing in prisons and mass graves, Al-Sharaa said the previous regime was a criminal gang, not a political system.

“We fought a brutal group that committed crimes like arrests, forced disappearances, killings, displacement, starvation, chemical attacks, and torture,” he said.

He stressed that while the regime is gone, the focus should be on justice, not revenge.

“We must not approach this with a desire for vengeance,” he said.

Al-Sharaa stated that those responsible for crimes like the Saydnaya prison and chemical attacks must be held accountable.

“Their names are known and they must be pursued,” he said. He also affirmed that families have the right to file complaints against unknown perpetrators.

Al-Sharaa outlined efforts to address the issue of missing persons. “We’ve broken the barriers, and specialized organizations are now helping with this task,” he said.

A new ministry will be set up to track the fate of the missing, both the deceased and the living.

“This will also assist families with documents like death certificates and inheritance,” he added.

He acknowledged the challenge ahead but emphasized the need to uncover the truth. “This is a big task, but we must find the truth,” Al-Sharaa said.

When asked about hosting the interview at the People’s Palace, the same location where Bashar al-Assad once sat, Al-Sharaa responded with a light-hearted laugh.

“To be honest, I don’t feel comfortable at all,” he said. “But this is a place that should be open to the people, a site where they can visit and where children can play in these courtyards.”