Second India-Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting Held in New Delhi

The second India-Arab Foreign Ministers' meeting was recently held in New Delhi, attended by the Foreign Minister of India, along with the Foreign Ministers of the Arab countries and the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States (LAS). This meeting is considered a significant step towards further strengthening the strategic partnership between India and the Arab countries.During the meeting, important issues such as political cooperation, trade and investment, energy security, food security, technology, health, education, and cultural exchange were discussed. Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

Arab League or League of Arab States (LAS)

¨     Established: March 22, 1945, Cairo

¨     Founding Members: 7

¨     Current Membership: 22 Arab countries of North Africa and the Middle East

¨  Objective: To promote the common political, economic, cultural, and social interests of the Arab countries.

¨     India has 'Observer Status' in the Arab League.

Energy, Trade, and Diaspora Relations

¨     Arab countries supply approximately 60% of India's crude oil imports.

¨     More than 50% of India's total imports of fertilizers and related products come from this region.

¨     Over 9 million Indians live and work in Arab League countries, making a significant contribution to the regional economies and fostering people-to-people ties.

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¨     The IAFMM is the highest institutional mechanism guiding India–Arab cooperation and was convened after nearly a decade.

¨     The first IAFMM took place in January 2016 in Manama, Bahrain, adopting the Manama Declaration and the Executive Programme (2016–17).

Key Area of Discussion

¨   Technology,  Innovation and Startups: Promotion of partnerships across startup ecosystems, digital technologies, and sectoral applications.Advancement of  AI cooperation with ethical, regulatory, and governance frameworks, while respecting national sovereignty.

¨  Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals: Cooperation to provide affordable, high-quality healthcare and medicines.India sought recognition of the Indian Pharmacopoeia in Arab countries, subject to domestic regulatory frameworks.

¨     Space & Youth cooperation: Enhanced exchanges in the space sector to harness space technologies for societal benefits.Strengthening youth cooperation through exchanges, capacity building, and participation in cultural and innovative initiatives.

¨  Peacekeeping & Global Security: Acknowledgment of India and Arab States’ significant contributions to UN peacekeeping operations. Emphasis on deeper cooperation through joint training and capacity-building, with Arab Ministers commending India’s initiatives.

¨ Defence & Counter-Terrorism: The two sides reaffirmed zero tolerance for terrorism, condemned cross-border attacks, and committed to joint efforts against all forms of terrorism, including dismantling networks, countering misuse of technology and drones, and ensuring justice.

Regional Issues

¨     Palestine & Lebanon: Reaffirmed support for a two-State solution based on 1967 borders; welcomed the recently  ceasefire in gaza, humanitarian access, UNRWA’s role, and the Arab-Islamic reconstruction plan; supported Palestinian transitional governance arrangements; and reaffirmed support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, exclusive state authority, implementation of UNSCR 1701, and cessation of hostilities.

¨     Gulf & North Africa: Expressed support for the UAE’s efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution regarding the three UAE islands of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa; reaffirmed support for a Libyan-led political process, national unity, sovereignty, and early presidential and parliamentary elections.

¨  Horn of Africa & Sudan: Reaffirmed support for Sudan’s sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity, humanitarian access, and rejection of parallel entities; and reaffirmed respect for Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity, and internationally recognised borders.