Diplomatic gears shifted into high gear in New Delhi as Ahmed Abul Gheit, the Secretary General of the League of Arab States, arrived Thursday for the second edition of the India-Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. A heartfelt reception by the Ministry of External Affairs highlighted the mutual respect fostering this key relationship.
On X, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted, ‘Pleased to welcome Secretary General of the League of Arab States, Ahmed Abul Gheit, to New Delhi for the 2nd India-Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and associated meetings. Over the coming two days, these senior-level engagements will showcase our collective dedication to a strong India-Arab partnership in every field.’
The event drew early arrivals including Comoros Foreign Minister Mbè Mohamed, Palestine’s Warsean Agha Bekian Shahin, and Sudan’s Mohieldin Salim Ahmed Ibrahim, setting the stage for substantive exchanges.
Tracing its roots to a March 2002 MoU that formalized India-LAS dialogues, the mechanism gained further momentum with a 2008 MoU signed during Amre Moussa’s India visit, creating the Arab-India Cooperation Forum—later streamlined in 2013. India’s observer role in the 22-member LAS amplifies its voice in Arab affairs.
Beyond protocol, these meetings drive tangible progress in commerce, defense, technology transfer, and cultural exchanges. As world orders realign, the forum offers a platform to address challenges like food security, maritime safety, and sustainable development. Outcomes from this summit could catalyze mega-projects, from renewable energy ventures to enhanced connectivity, cementing India-Arab bonds as a pillar of regional stability and economic dynamism.