Dozens of Arab diplomats are descending on New Delhi ahead of a crucial summit that India will host on January 31, reigniting a vital dialogue after almost ten years. The second India-Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting promises to chart new courses in collaboration across multiple sectors.
Arrivals kicked off with high-profile guests: Comoros’ Mbe Mohamed, Palestine’s Warsen Agabekian Shahin, and Sudan’s Mohiuddin Salim Ahmad Ibrahim. MEA officials received them with protocol honors, highlighting the visits’ role in enhancing direct ties and grassroots interactions.
Co-chaired by India and UAE, the event will unite all 22 Arab League foreign ministers and the organization’s top leadership. It’s a historic first for New Delhi, following the 2016 Bahrain precedent where focus areas like economy, energy, education, media, and culture were pinpointed for joint ventures.
India’s observer role in the 22-member LAS underscores its strategic stake. Preceding the ministers’ huddle, senior officials will convene on January 30 for the fourth SOM. This framework, rooted in a 2002 MoU and bolstered by the 2008 Arab-India Forum (updated 2013), represents the pinnacle of structured engagement.
With 20 nations already locked in for 2026’s follow-up, this gathering is poised to deliver tangible roadmaps. From energy deals to educational exchanges, the summit could unlock opportunities worth billions, cementing India’s position as a bridge between South Asia and the Middle East amid global shifts.