In the recent decades, India has steadily worked to deepen its ties with the Arab world, particularly with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states. While India’s growing energy needs have pushed it into a closer relationship with the Gulf, there are deeper, more troubling consequences for the Muslim world that cannot be ignored. Pakistan’s long-standing, close ties with the Arab world—rooted in shared religion, history, and mutual defense—are at risk as Arab countries increasingly collaborate with India, and even Israel. This shift threatens to fracture the unity of the Muslim world.
India’s increasing dependence on the GCC for oil, which accounted for over 55% of its crude oil needs in 2022-2023, has opened doors for economic cooperation. Trade between India and the Gulf surged to $180 billion in 2020-2021. However, these partnerships, largely motivated by financial gain, come at a cost to the broader unity of the Muslim world. While India promotes itself as a valuable economic partner, its actions speak otherwise. The Modi government’s policies, both domestically and internationally, have shown little respect for Muslim values or concerns. From the persecution of Indian Muslims to the revocation of Kashmir’s special status in 2019, India’s approach has consistently harmed Muslim interests.
Yet, in the face of these injustices, many Arab states have chosen to strengthen ties with India, disregarding its oppressive policies. When India unilaterally revoked Article 370 and stripped Indian-occupied Kashmir of its autonomy, the UAE called it an “internal matter,” effectively sidelining the concerns of Pakistan and the Kashmiri people. Other Gulf states, such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar also remained silent, signaling that economic ties with India are being prioritized over the solidarity that has historically bound the Muslim world together. This lack of support for Pakistan’s position on Kashmir reflects a dangerous trend—one where economic interests outweigh moral and religious obligations.
Pakistan, by contrast, has always stood by its Arab brothers, offering support on critical issues like Palestine. Its position on Kashmir is unwavering: the struggle of the Kashmiri people is a fight for justice, freedom, and human rights, and Pakistan has championed their cause on the global stage. If the Arab states continue to prioritize partnerships with India, they risk alienating Muslim-majority countries and creating deep divides within the Islamic world. This erosion of unity could have far-reaching consequences for the strength and influence of Muslim nations globally.
Adding to this concern is India’s growing cooperation with Israel. The formation of the I2U2 alliance in 2021, which includes India, Israel, the UAE, and the United States, is a troubling development. Israel’s long-standing oppression of Palestinians is well-documented, and its increasing influence in the Arab world through alliances like I2U2 should be cause for alarm among Muslim nations. That India and Israel—two countries with histories of marginalizing Muslim populations—are working closely with key Arab states raises serious concerns about the future of Muslim solidarity. Pakistan has consistently supported Palestine and Kashmir, standing firm against aggression, yet these alliances threaten to undermine this commitment.
Pakistan’s historic relationship with the Arab world extends far beyond economics. It has been a trusted partner in defense and security, playing a vital role in regional stability. The Pakistani military has provided training and support to Gulf states for decades, and Pakistan’s large expatriate population contributes significantly to the economies of these nations. These bonds, built on trust and shared values, should not be sacrificed for short-term financial gains with India, whose engagement with the Gulf is purely opportunistic.
India’s economic ambitions are clear, and its growing investments in the GCC—such as the $78 billion liquefied natural gas pact with Qatar Energy—are strategic moves designed to entrench its influence. But Arab nations must ask themselves: Can they truly rely on a country like India, whose track record on Muslim issues is so poor? If the Gulf states continue to prioritize economic partnerships with India, they may find themselves increasingly isolated from the broader Islamic world.
Moreover, India’s expanding military presence in the region, especially in Oman with access to the Duqm port, is a direct attempt to counter Pakistan’s strategic position in the region. India’s fear of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has driven its efforts to undermine Pakistan’s influence, particularly in Gwadar. This port is not just an economic hub but a symbol of regional cooperation and prosperity for Pakistan. India’s efforts to disrupt Pakistan’s progress, whether through naval strategies or economic pressure, demonstrate its desire to weaken Muslim unity in the region.
While Pakistan’s foreign direct investment from the Gulf has declined in recent years—down to $25 million in expected investments from the UAE and Saudi Arabia over the next five years—this is largely due to internal political instability. Despite these setbacks, Pakistan remains a crucial player in the Gulf. The contributions it has made to the security and defense of the region are irreplaceable, and its long-standing relationships with Arab countries should not be overshadowed by India’s attempts to exploit economic opportunities.
As India’s influence grows, Arab states must reassess their priorities. Aligning too closely with India and Israel risks creating a dangerous divide within the Muslim world—one that could weaken the very foundation of Islamic solidarity. Pakistan, with its consistent support for Muslim causes, remains a reliable and steadfast ally to the Arab world. Now more than ever, the Muslim ummah must stand united against those who seek to undermine its strength. By continuing down the path of economic partnerships with India and Israel, the Arab states risk losing the trust of their Muslim allies, and the unity that has long defined the strength of the Islamic world may be at stake.
