Do you think the recent nuclear deal between Iran and world powers will encourage Arab nations to pursue nuclear ambitions? Should India be worried? Examine. (200 Words)
The Deal:
- The deal allows Iran to engage in nuclear activities for peaceful and constructive purposes like addressing it’s energy needs.
- Done between Iran and p5+1 (USA, UK, China, France and Russia + Germany)
Impact on Arabs:
- Due to sectarian riots and rivalry, situation is already volatile.
- Iraq and Saudi Arabia are arch rival due to Shia-Sunni conflict
- Saudi Arabia has openly opposed the deal
- Downturn in oil economy has led to further unrest in region
- This deal at such time is seen as a threat to themselves by Sunni nations (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt etc.)
- Thus it may lead to proliferation of nuclear weapons via Pakistan to these nations further endangering global peace.
Impact on India:
- India need all Arab nations. So a fine balancing act is needed
- It has trade and cultural relations with most of the nations of the region and imports crude oil from Saudi Arabia as well as Iran.
- A large number of Indians work in the Gulf countries.
- At the same time, India which is on the target of Islamist terrorism will also have to make sure that nuclear weapons don’t reach them.