Dr Prasanta Kumar Pradhan is a Research Fellow and Coordinator of the West Asia Centre at the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA), New Delhi. He holds a doctorate degree from the School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. Since joining MP-IDSA in 2008, he has been researching on foreign policy, security and strategic issues in West Asia, and India’s relationship with West Asia and the wider Arab world. He is also working on the implications of Arab uprisings for the region and India.
Dr Pradhan is the author of the book Arab Spring and Sectarian Faultlines in West Asia: Bahrain, Yemen and Syria (Pentagon Press, New Delhi, 2017) and the monograph India’s Relationship with the Gulf Cooperation Council: Need to Look beyond Business (MP-IDSA, New Delhi, 2014). He is also the editor of the book Geopolitical Shifts in West Asia: Trends and Implications (Pentagon Press, New Delhi, 2016).
Dr Pradhan has published several research articles in reputed journals and has contributed chapters to several edited volumes on security and strategic issues in West Asia and India’s bilateral relations with the region. His current research project is titled “The GCC in Crisis: Implications for the Region and India”.
India's Policy Towards West Asia: The Modi Era
The Escalating Israel–Iran Conflict
Israel’s successful interception of Iranian missiles and drones has restored its image as a superior military power regionally, an image which was dented by the October 2023 Hamas attacks.
GCC’s ‘Vision for Regional Security’
The GCC’s ‘Vision for Regional Security’ is a conscious move on the part of the GCC to reaffirm its cohesion at the time of fast-evolving regional crises.
“Partners in Progress”: The Transformation of the India–UAE Relationship
Convergences of interests and a mutually beneficial partnership have significantly reshaped the India–UAE relationship.
India`s Approach to West Asia: Trends, Challenges and Possibilities
Saudi Arabia and the Russia–Ukraine War
The Saudi offer to mediate in the Russia–Ukraine War is the latest instance of Riyadh’s dynamic and forward-looking foreign policy.
Prime Minister Modi’s Visit to Egypt: Building a Strategic Partnership
India and Egypt are deepening engagement in the economic sphere and strengthening defence and security cooperation.
The Saudi–Iran Rapprochement
The Chinese-mediated rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran puts a check on the widening gap between the two regional powers.
GCC at Crossroads: Challenges Amidst Unrest in the Arab World
The Arab unrest had a severe impact on the GCC, as it uncovered the existing internal fissures and limitations of the organization. Despite their success in integrating themselves on vital economic, security and political issues, divergent policies adopted by the individual member states on a number of regional issues in the aftermath of the Arab unrest was the main reason for the widening cracks within the organization.
Yemen: Growing Uncertainty after the Ceasefire
The end of the ceasefire in Yemen without any substantial political understanding between the government and the Houthis heightens the risk of escalation of violence.