The fall of Assad: What it means for India's strategy in West Asia
Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. The fall of Assad regime in Syria has thrust India into a delicate balancing act. While the streets of Damascus are filled with jubilation, the corridors of power in New Delhi are marked by caution and concern.
The takeover of Damascus by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) marks the end of a 50-year Assad dynasty, including Bashar al-Assad’s 24-year tenure as president. Assad has long been a cornerstone of India’s West Asia strategy. In a statement issued on 9 December, the Ministry of External Affairs emphasized the importance of preserving Syria’s sovereignty and advocated for a Syrian-led political process.
However, key questions remain: What does Assad’s fall mean for India? Will it compel a reconfiguration of India’s geopolitical strategy in West Asia? Could this transition have implications for India’s internal security? And, most importantly, what should India’s next steps be? India’s relationship with Syria has weathered decades of geopolitical upheaval, including the civil war that erupted in 2011. Anchored in principles of non-interference, territorial integrity, and mutual respect for sovereignty, the partnership remained steadfast even as Assad faced global condemnation for brutal crackdowns and human rights abuses. New Delhi consistently backed a Syrian-led political process in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254, reaffirming its commitment to Syria’s sovereignty, independence, and unity.
India has also provided substantial economic support to Syria. In 2021, it offered $280 million to build power and steel plants, established a Next Generation Centre for Information Technology in Damascus, and awarded scholarships to 1,500 Syrian students. These investments were not
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