In what could be termed as an important geo-political development, Iranian Naval Commander Shahram Irani said his country and Saudi Arabia as well as three other Gulf States, plan to form a naval alliance that will also include Pakistan and India.
Of late Iran has been seen trying to mend its strained ties with several Gulf Arab states. In March, Saudi Arabia and Iran ended seven years of hostility under a China-mediated deal, stressing the need for regional stability and economic cooperation. Now its announcement of naval alliance has the potential to reshape dynamics of the Middle East and Indian Ocean region, generating both opportunities and challenges. It is crucial to view it through a broader lens of regional stability and collaboration. This plan has the potential to bolster regional security efforts, particularly in the face of shared challenges such as piracy, smuggling and terrorism. By pooling their naval resources and expertise, the alliance can better ensure the safety of vital sea-lanes.
This will enable participating nations to enhance their intelligence sharing, surveillance capabilities and joint operations to effectively curb maritime threats. Such a collaborative approach can also set a positive precedent for resolving disputes and conflicts through dialogue, rather than resorting to hostility and confrontation. This will also present a unique opportunity for the creation of trade corridors that can connect the Middle East, South Asia and beyond. While Pakistan has always advocated for greater partnership and cooperation with regional countries, it would be more forthcoming to become part of this alliance yet at the same time we should remain alert of a country like India that has hegemonic designs and in this pursuit never hesitates from throwing a spanner.
