“Energy security constitutes the dominant kingpin of India’s foreign policy, and is linked with India’s overarching influence in Middle Eastern countries.” How would you integrate energy security with India’s foreign policy trajectories in the coming years?

India depends heavily on imported fuels / petroleum for its energy needs - primarily from the Middle East and Central Asian republics.

But recent developments including Qatar crisis, Yemeni crisis, resurgence of ISIS, the falling apart of Iran deal, the $500 Billion deal between Iran and China have increased risks.

On the other hand, events like normalisation of Saudi-Qatar relations at GCC summit, normalisation of Israel's relations with Bahrain and UAE, re-starting process to re-establish the Iran deal are also moves for greater regional stability.

These though have led to newer conflicts like the rise of Iran-Turkey-Pakistan against Saudi Arabia-UAE backed by China and Russia and the USA respectively.

West Asia is India's extended neighbourhood and as is evident plays key role in its energy security.

For the easing of tensions in the region, India can utilise its membership of the UNSC to bring together all players on the table.

India has great credibility as it has been able to walk the tight rope of maintaining good relations with Arabs and Israelis, Saudis and Iranians, US and Russia.

Negotiations and mediation, the lines of VK Krishna Menon's strategy in Korean crisis can prove to be fruitful.

Further, people-to-people relations, multi-track diplomacy, energy security diplomacy, vaccine diplomacy, transfer of technology and Cooperation at multi-lateral and plurilateral fora can go a long way.

Finally, the role of Indian diaspora in the great geopolitical calculus is also key to the situation.