What Did EAM Jaishankar and Palestinian Counterpart Aghabekian Discuss Regarding Development Cooperation and Gaza Peace Plan?
Synopsis
EAM S Jaishankar and Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian met to discuss cooperation on development and the Gaza Peace Plan, emphasizing their nations' strong partnership and shared goals with the Arab world. This engagement highlights India's role in fostering regional unity and development.
Key Takeaways
Significant discussions on development cooperation and Gaza Peace Plan.
Strengthening ties between India and Palestine.
Upcoming India-Arab Foreign Ministers Meeting aims to enhance partnerships.
Ten-year gap since the last Foreign Ministers Meeting.
Emphasis on cooperative areas like economy, energy, and education.
New Delhi, Jan 30 (NationPress) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar met with Varsen Aghabekian, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates from Palestine, on Friday to deliberate on development cooperation, the Gaza Peace Plan, and various regional affairs.
After the meeting, EAM Jaishankar expressed on X, "I was pleased to engage with Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the State of Palestine, Varsen Aghabekian. We exchanged insights on the Gaza Peace Plan and regional dynamics while reviewing our development cooperation and agreeing on future initiatives to enhance it."
Aghabekian arrived in New Delhi on Thursday for the second India-Arab Foreign Ministers Meeting.
Upon her arrival, she shared on X: "I have reached India to take part in the 2nd India–Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. This visit reaffirms the robust partnership between Palestine and India, as well as our mutual commitment to collaboration with the Arab world."
India is set to host the 2nd India-Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (IAFMM) on January 31. This meeting, hosted by India and the United Arab Emirates, will include the participation of Foreign Ministers from other Arab League member states and the Secretary General of the Arab League, as per the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
The upcoming meeting aims to strengthen existing collaborations and broaden the partnership. It will follow the 4th India-Arab Senior Officials’ Meeting.
This Foreign Ministers' meeting marks a decade since the last one, which occurred in Bahrain in 2016. The inaugural meeting identified five key areas for cooperation: economy, energy, education, media, and culture, and proposed various initiatives across these sectors.
The MEA noted, "The India-Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting stands as the highest institutional mechanism steering this partnership, formalized in March 2002 when India and the League of Arab States (LAS) signed an MoU to institutionalize the dialogue process."
Furthermore, a Memorandum of Cooperation was established to form the Arab-India Cooperation Forum during the December 2008 visit of then Arab League Secretary General Amre Moussa to India, later revised in 2013 for structural organization. India currently serves as an Observer to the League of Arab States, which comprises 22 member nations.
Point of View
It is imperative to recognize the importance of India's diplomatic engagements in shaping regional stability and cooperation. The discussions between EAM Jaishankar and Minister Aghabekian reflect a commitment to peace and development, which is vital not just for India and Palestine but for the broader Arab world.
NationPress
12 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was discussed during the meeting between EAM Jaishankar and Aghabekian?
The meeting focused on development cooperation, the Gaza Peace Plan, and regional developments.
Why is the India-Arab Foreign Ministers Meeting significant?
It is the highest institutional mechanism for partnership between India and the Arab League, emphasizing collaborative efforts in key sectors.
What are the key areas of cooperation identified in previous meetings?
The five priority areas include economy, energy, education, media, and culture.
When did the first India-Arab Foreign Ministers Meeting take place?
The inaugural meeting was held in Bahrain in 2016.
What role does India play in the League of Arab States?
India serves as an Observer to the League of Arab States, which consists of 22 member states.
