What can India do in Syria?

India's engagement with Syria is multifaceted and includes several key areas of cooperation and potential action:

Diplomatic and Political Support

India has historically maintained strong diplomatic relations with Syria, often supporting Syria's positions on international issues. India has advocated for a Syrian-led resolution to the conflict, emphasizing the need to preserve Syria's unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity234.

• India has supported Syria's claim to the Golan Heights and has consistently backed Syria in international forums, particularly on issues like the Arab-Israeli conflict4.

Humanitarian Aid

India has provided significant humanitarian aid to Syria, especially during critical times such as the 2023 earthquake. This aid is part of India's "Operation Dost" and includes food, energy supplies, and other essential assistance1.

Economic and Developmental Cooperation

India has been involved in various economic and developmental projects in Syria:

• India has provided lines of credit for infrastructure projects, such as a $240 million line of credit for a power plant and support for modernizing Syria's steel industry2.
• There have been collaborations in biotechnology, education, agriculture, and IT. For example, India helped establish the Syrian National Bio-technology Centre and offered grants for such initiatives34.

Educational and Cultural Exchanges

India has offered scholarships to Syrian students to study in India. In 2023, India's Minister of State for External Affairs, V. Muraleedharan, announced 300 new scholarships for Syrian students1.

Reconstruction Efforts

India is involved in Syria's reconstruction efforts, which include infrastructure development and support for rebuilding the country. These efforts are expected to help India streamline its overseas investments in the Levant region and integrate Syria into India's global value chains1.

Security and Counter-Terrorism

India is concerned about the security implications of the Syrian conflict, particularly the potential resurgence of extremist groups like ISIS. India has supported Syria's efforts to combat these groups and is cautious about the potential power vacuum that could arise if the Assad regime collapses23.

Investment and Trade

India aims to invest heavily in the region, including building an India-Gulf-Suez Canal-Mediterranean/Levant-Europe corridor. Syria's geostrategic location makes it an important partner for India in this endeavor1.

In summary, India's actions in Syria are focused on strengthening bilateral relations through diplomatic support, humanitarian aid, economic cooperation, educational exchanges, reconstruction efforts, and addressing security concerns.