Donald Trump’s recent visit to the Gulf region was primarily a domestic public relations exercise, rather than a display of significant geopolitical diplomacy, according to Talmiz Ahmad, former Indian envoy to Saudi Arabia and a Middle East expert.Ahmad suggests that the inflated investment figures touted during the trip lack substantial grounding. “We are looking at very huge numbers that have really no relation to reality. These are numbers just thrown up in the air,” he stated.
Ahmad believes that the Gulf states, particularly Saudi Arabia, focused on bolstering Trump’s ego, aiming to secure his goodwill. “What the Gulf was interested in was to fatten this President’s ego, make him feel good about himself, and serve his constituency, so that he remains on their good side in the coming months and years,” he explained. He also criticised Qatar’s offer of a presidential plane as “extremely bad taste” and “embarrassing to both sides,” questioning the legality and security implications of such a gift.
According to Ahmad, the Gulf nations primarily gained tactical optics rather than strategic advantages from the visit. “They have gained his goodwill. Now the President is on their side. They will ensure that their needs will be met by the Americans. But frankly speaking, in the absence of geopolitics, there is no strategic content to the visit that I could see.”Regarding Trump’s optimism about a new nuclear deal with Iran, Ahmad expressed skepticism, noting that “some very serious issues still divide the two sides.” He pointed out the deep divisions within the Trump administration on this matter, suggesting that the President’s pronouncements may be premature.
Ahmad believes that the Gulf states, particularly Saudi Arabia, focused on bolstering Trump’s ego, aiming to secure his goodwill. “What the Gulf was interested in was to fatten this President’s ego, make him feel good about himself, and serve his constituency, so that he remains on their good side in the coming months and years,” he explained. He also criticised Qatar’s offer of a presidential plane as “extremely bad taste” and “embarrassing to both sides,” questioning the legality and security implications of such a gift.
According to Ahmad, the Gulf nations primarily gained tactical optics rather than strategic advantages from the visit. “They have gained his goodwill. Now the President is on their side. They will ensure that their needs will be met by the Americans. But frankly speaking, in the absence of geopolitics, there is no strategic content to the visit that I could see.”Regarding Trump’s optimism about a new nuclear deal with Iran, Ahmad expressed skepticism, noting that “some very serious issues still divide the two sides.” He pointed out the deep divisions within the Trump administration on this matter, suggesting that the President’s pronouncements may be premature.
Ahmad advised India to maintain its calm and continue its balanced Gulf policy. “I don’t think we should get too agitated. We should show the confidence and maturity that a great nation like India deserves,” he said. He emphasised India’s strong bilateral relations with Gulf countries, asserting that “I don’t think Trump’s impact on this relationship is likely to be significant.”
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