In the heart of India’s capital, diplomatic gears turned swiftly during the ongoing second India-Arab Foreign Ministers’ conclave. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar engaged in crucial talks with Libya’s top diplomat, Najm El-Deen El-Arbash, dissecting opportunities in key sectors while gauging Libya’s precarious security landscape.
Taking to X, Jaishankar detailed the afternoon huddle: productive exchanges on bolstering trade links, infrastructure projects, and energy collaborations. He appreciated El-Arbash’s insights into Libya’s domestic challenges and reiterated New Delhi’s firm stance on dialogue-driven resolutions for regional harmony.
Libya, once a major oil producer, remains fractured post-Gaddafi era, with rival factions vying for control. India’s outreach signals intent to safeguard investments and promote stability, vital for North African energy flows to global markets.
The MEA rolled out the red carpet for El-Arbash upon his Friday arrival. ‘Welcoming the Foreign Minister of Libya, H.E. Mr. Najm El-Deen El-Arbash, whose participation in the India-Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and programmes in New Delhi will provide positive momentum to our bilateral relations,’ it announced online.
Joining the fray were Somalia’s Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, whose visit MEA hailed as a booster for bilateral bonds, and League of Arab States chief Ahmed Aboul Gheit, who touched down Thursday. ‘Thrilled to welcome LAS Secretary General H.E. Ahmed Aboul Gheit for the 2nd IAFMM and associated meetings. These engagements highlight our joint resolve for deepened India-Arab collaboration,’ MEA noted.
The summit’s timing aligns with India’s strategic pivot towards Arab partnerships, amid shifting global alliances. Beyond bilaterals, plenary sessions promise advancements in counter-terrorism, maritime security, and sustainable development.
As world leaders converge, this platform not only mends historical ties but charts a proactive course for mutual prosperity. Jaishankar’s deft diplomacy positions India as a reliable mediator in turbulent times, with eyes on long-term gains in energy and beyond.