Ancient Trade Relations
The historical relationship between India and Syria is marked by significant ancient trade interactions that laid the foundation for cultural and economic exchanges. An Aramaic edict of King Ashoka, a prominent Indian emperor, references a trade route connecting India with the Mediterranean Basin through the city of Palmyra in Syria. This highlights the strategic importance of Syria as a hub in the ancient Silk Road network, which facilitated the movement of goods, ideas, and cultural practices between East and West for centuries. The exchange along these routes was not solely economic; it also encompassed intellectual and artistic influences that shaped both civilizations.
Cultural Exchanges and Christian Influence
One of the most notable cultural impacts of these exchanges is the spread of Syriac Christianity, which originated in ancient Syria. As this early form of Christianity expanded, it reached the shores of India, where it established the first Christian communities. These communities, particularly among the Syrian Christians of Kerala, played a crucial role in the region’s religious landscape. According to tradition, Thomas the Apostle is credited with introducing Christianity to India in the 1st century CE, bringing with him the Syriac language that continues to be a significant aspect of the heritage of these communities.
The Syriac language remains an integral part of the cultural identity of the Syrian Christian community in Kerala. It is now taught in various educational institutions, including colleges and universities, as well as in Syrian churches across the region. This ongoing commitment to preserving the language underscores the deep-rooted ties between India and Syria that extend beyond mere trade, showcasing a rich cultural and religious legacy that has endured through the centuries.
Overall, the ancient connections between India and Syria highlight the importance of trade routes in fostering not only economic prosperity but also the flourishing of diverse cultures. The historical interactions between these two nations continue to resonate today, reminding us of the shared heritage and intertwined destinies shaped over millennia.
= Diplomatic Ties =
India and Syria established diplomatic relations in May 1950, marking the beginning of a partnership that sought to enhance cooperation in various fields. This relationship gained significance following the partition of India, which was primarily based on religious lines. The developments emphasized India's broader interest in fostering ties with the Muslim and Arab worlds, especially concerning the Palestinian cause. This alignment was also a crucial strategy for India to counteract Pakistan's influence in the region, which was particularly relevant in light of ongoing tensions surrounding the Arab-Israeli conflict. Moreover, establishing strong ties with Syria helped India secure access to vital petroleum resources from Western Asia.
The historical visit of Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to Damascus on July 14, 1957, was a pivotal moment in the bilateral relations. Named a main street in his honor, Nehru's visit highlighted the importance of in-person diplomacy and mutual recognition. Both countries share a common vision characterized by nationalism and a secular orientation, strengthened through their membership in the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). This mutual understanding led India to assert Syria’s legitimate right to reclaim the Golan Heights, which was a topic of common interest. In return, Syria respected India's position on the Kashmir conflict, recognizing it as a bilateral issue, and supported India's broader diplomatic objectives in international forums.
Throughout the years, numerous high-level visits have taken place to bolster the relationship. In January 2000, Arun Jaitley, the Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting, visited Syria, followed by other notable figures such as Murali Manohar Joshi during former President Hafez Al-Assad's funeral. These visits facilitated numerous discussions on various bilateral matters and signified the importance each nation placed on the other. The interactions took a significant step forward in August 2002, when Syrian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Farouk Al-Shara visited India, paving the way for an official visit by Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
During Vajpayee’s visit, which was the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 15 years, he and President Bashar al-Assad inaugurated the Syrian National Biotechnology Centre, symbolizing India's commitment to contributing to Syria's development. Vajpayee also announced a special grant of US$1 million for the centre and proposed a credit line of US$25 million aimed at enhancing bilateral trade. The agreements reached during this visit demonstrated the depth of cooperation and mutual respect between the two nations, underscoring India's principled support for Palestinian and Syrian rights in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolutions.
Bilateral relations further solidified after President Al-Assad's son took office in July 2000, with his first official delegation abroad visiting India. This delegation included high-ranking ministers from various sectors, indicating Syria's intention to prioritize its diplomatic and economic ties with India. The commitment to fostering a cohesive relationship continues to characterize India-Syria relations, contributing to broader regional stability and mutual benefit.
Growing Educational and Cultural Ties
The relationship between India and Syria extends far beyond commercial interactions; it encompasses significant educational and cultural exchanges as well. A notable aspect of this partnership is the presence of a large population of Syrian students in Indian educational institutions, seeking higher studies in various disciplines. Each year, India offers five scholarships under the Cultural Exchange Program (CEP), aimed at facilitating Syrian students' educational aspirations. Additionally, the General Cultural Scholarship Scheme (GCSS) provides 14 scholarships specifically for Syrian scholars, enhancing their academic pursuits in India. Conversely, Syria reciprocates by offering five scholarships to Indian students interested in studying the Arabic language and literature, fostering a mutual understanding of each other’s cultures. These educational initiatives are complemented by signed agreements between the two nations to cooperate on scientific and technical education, which highlights a commitment to building a solid foundation for long-term collaboration.
India's Role in Middle Eastern Stability
In the context of broader Middle Eastern dynamics, Syrian leadership has, since 2007, expressed a desire for India to take a more proactive stance in peace efforts. President Bashar al-Assad emphasized the importance of India's involvement in the Middle East peace process, suggesting that India's influence could be pivotal. The Syrian Foreign Minister echoed this sentiment, underscoring that the situation in the Middle East directly impacts India and that it is in India's interest to advocate for a resolution to the longstanding Arab-Israeli conflict. Indicatively, India's strong ties with the United States could serve as a foundation for promoting stability in the region, and the advocacy for a peaceful coexistence is seen as a shared objective for both nations. Through its independent foreign policy, India can actively engage in this multilayered issue while simultaneously strengthening its relations with Syria.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
The dialogue between India and Syria has been marked by a consistent call for intensified relations over the years. In 2008, during her visit to Syria, then-Indian President Pratibha Patil urged the two nations to bolster their relationship by increasing trade and fostering people-to-people contacts. Her remarks highlighted the historical and cultural ties that connect the two nations, emphasizing that these shared legacies are as vital as their cooperative strategies in the face of contemporary challenges. During her tenure, Patil reinforced India's support for Syria, particularly concerning the ongoing issue of the Golan Heights. Her statements reiterated India's commitment to just Arab causes, reinforcing the notion that India stands steadfast in its solidarity with Syria. This mutual understanding has been further reinforced through joint statements by Indian and Syrian leadership, which denounced the actions of external actors that obstruct regional peace, particularly focusing on the humanitarian plight of the Palestinian people, thereby cultivating a shared vision for stability and cooperation in the region.
Through these interactions, the prospects for India-Syria relations continue to evolve, promising mutual benefits while reflecting a commitment to addressing shared challenges in the Middle East through diplomatic engagement and cultural reciprocity.
Commerce
In 2017, the Indian Foreign Ministry characterized the economic relations between India and Syria as having "bright prospects and harboring great potential." This optimism reflected the historical ties and mutual interests that have bound both nations together, despite the turbulent backdrop of the Syrian Civil War, which began in 2011 and complicated trade dynamics.
Prior to the onset of the conflict, India's exports to Syria were diverse, including man-made fabrics and yarns (21%), machinery and transport equipment (20%), pharmaceuticals and chemicals (8%), manufactured metals (6%), and jute and jute products (4%). In contrast, India's imports from Syria primarily revolved around rock phosphates, pulses, spices, raw cotton, and raw wool. There was significant potential identified for enhancing exports in traditional sectors, particularly in jute and jute products, non-basmati rice, tea, coffee, and other agricultural goods, which showcased India's rich agricultural diversity.
In the early 21st century, India and Syria identified specific sectors of mutual benefit to bolster their economic cooperation. Important areas included rock phosphates and fertilizers, cement production, the power sector, information technology, education, and agro-industries. India has expressed keen interest in expanding its industrial activities through investments and joint ventures. A notable milestone occurred in 2009 when Indian Petroleum Minister Murli Deora and Syrian Minister of Petroleum and Natural Resources Sufian Al-Alaw signed an agreement during the Petrotech India 2009 conference. This agreement facilitated ONGC Videsh, the overseas arm of the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, to explore the oil and natural gas potential in Syria.
Prior to this agreement, Indian investments in Syria were relatively modest, amounting to US$84 million from India in 2006, contributing to a total of US$800 million in foreign investments. Despite these modest figures, India ranked as the third largest investor in Syria, following Iran and outperforming Germany. At the time, the trade balance was favorable to India, although the introduction of new oil and gas contracts raised questions about future dynamics. Various Indian companies successfully secured major contracts in Syria, further cementing India's role in the region’s economic landscape. For instance, KEC (I) Ltd completed a substantial project worth approximately US$48 million for constructing electricity transmission infrastructure in the Jordan-Syria sector, while BEML regularly supplied earthmoving equipment, concluding an order valued at around US$6 million. Other notable contracts included an order for electric substations worth US$9 million by IRCON and a US$51.5 million contract awarded to ABB (India) for the supply of nine power substations. Additionally, an exploration contract was awarded to the ONGC Videsh-led consortium in block 24, highlighting the growing importance of India in Syria's energy sector, alongside substantial commitments from the Indian Electrical & Electronics Manufacturers’ Association, which secured contracts worth US$40 million.
Overall, the bilateral economic connection between India and Syria reflects a mix of historical ties and contemporary aspirations, showcasing potential areas for growth and collaboration, even amidst regional challenges.
Cultural Relations
The historical ties between India and Syria run deep, particularly evidenced through the early Christian presence in India, which was primarily represented by the Church of the East. This church is one of the oldest Christian denominations in the world and has played a significant role in the development of Christianity in the Indian subcontinent. The arrival of St. Thomas the Apostle in the 1st century CE marked a pivotal moment in Indian history, as he is traditionally credited with establishing Christianity in Kerala.
St. Thomas introduced not only the Christian faith but also the ancient Syriac language, which became an integral part of the liturgical practices among the Syrian Christians in Kerala. The Syriac language, with its rich literary and ecclesiastical traditions, continues to hold cultural significance for the Syrian Christian community. Today, it remains an important subject of study in various colleges and universities across Kerala, highlighting the enduring influence of this ancient language and its contributions to the region’s cultural heritage.
Moreover, the Syrian Christian community has been pivotal in various aspects of Kerala's cultural tapestry, including art, music, and architecture, often blending indigenous elements with Syrian influences. Festivals, rituals, and community events reflect this rich interplay of traditions. The cultural interactions between India and Syria extend beyond religion and language, fostering a mutual appreciation for each other's heritage, leading to an enriched cultural exchange that spans centuries.
In contemporary times, the bonds between these two regions are increasingly evident through diasporic communities, interfaith dialogues, and collaborative cultural initiatives. These ongoing relationships reinforce the historical connections while simultaneously promoting a future of increased cooperation and understanding.
Consular Exchanges
The diplomatic relationship between India and Syria has seen significant developments over the years, particularly in terms of consular exchanges. On September 10, 2008, Vice President Haran took on the role of India's Ambassador to the Syrian Arab Republic, marking an important step in strengthening bilateral ties. Following this, on April 18, 2023, Mr. Vijay Pandey was designated as the Chargé d'affaires, further underscoring India's commitment to its relations with Syria. Most recently, Dr. Irshad Ahmed was appointed as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of India to Syria on November 15, 2023. These appointments represent not just a continuation of diplomatic tradition but also reflect the ongoing dialogue and engagement between the two nations.
Trade Relations
The trade relationship between India and Syria has historically been characterized by a steady increase in both exports and imports. The data shows that in the fiscal year 1995-96, India's exports to Syria amounted to approximately US$30 million, while imports were US$8.29 million. Over the years, trade volumes have seen a positive trajectory, peaking in 2002-03 with exports reaching US$122.02 million against imports of US$8.9 million. This growth reflects the increasing economic interdependence between the two countries and highlights the potential for future collaborations. Additionally, various sectors such as pharmaceuticals, machinery, and textiles have been at the forefront of this trade relationship, demonstrating India's diverse offerings to the Syrian market.
Historical Bilateral Visits
The history of interactions between Indian and Syrian leaders showcases a long-standing relationship that dates back to the mid-20th century. Notably, President Shukri al-Quwatli visited India for a state visit in January 1957, followed by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s reciprocal visit later that year. Various distinguished leaders, including Hafez al-Assad, the President of Syria, made state visits to India in 1978 and 1983, further deepening bilateral ties. Subsequent visits included significant delegations from both sides aimed at enhancing cooperation in various sectors such as trade, culture, and defense. These high-level exchanges have laid a robust foundation for ongoing and future partnerships.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, the prospects for India-Syria relations appear promising. With the recent appointments in the Indian diplomatic corps and active engagement from both nations, there is a strong potential for enhanced cooperation. Initiatives in sectors like agriculture, information technology, and education can serve as focal points for future collaboration. Additionally, as the political landscape in Syria stabilizes, India has the opportunity to expand its influence and forge stronger economic connections, thereby playing a crucial role in the country's reconstruction efforts. The historical ties between India and Syria can thus provide a pathway for both nations to embark on a mutually beneficial partnership in the years to come.