In a boost to regional diplomacy, India is set to host the prestigious second India-Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on January 31, with key Arab leaders already touching down in New Delhi. This assembly aims to fortify longstanding bonds and explore fresh avenues of mutual growth.
Thursday saw the arrival of Comoros’ Foreign Minister Mbe Mohamed, Palestine’s Warsen Agabekian Shahin, and Sudan’s Mohiuddin Salim Ahmad Ibrahim. The MEA extended a red-carpet welcome, noting these engagements will invigorate bilateral relations and foster deeper societal links.
Under the joint leadership of India and UAE, the summit will feature representatives from every one of the 22 Arab League nations, including the Secretary-General. Hosted in the national capital for the first time, it revives momentum from the 2016 Bahrain meet, which spotlighted economy, energy, education, media, and culture as priority domains with detailed action plans.
As an observer in the LAS, India leverages this platform uniquely. The agenda builds on a 2002 MoU for dialogue mechanisms, the 2008 Cooperation Forum, and 2013 refinements. On January 30, senior officials’ discussions will set the stage.
Confirmations from 20 countries for this and the 2026 event signal strong commitment. Stakeholders anticipate breakthroughs in trade pacts, sustainable energy projects, and cultural diplomacy, positioning this as a cornerstone for India’s West Asian outreach in turbulent times.