New Delhi, Jan 31 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed a delegation comprising Foreign Ministers from Arab nations, the Secretary General of the League of Arab States, and senior Arab officials, who gathered in India for the second India-Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.

During this significant meeting, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the profound and historical people-to-people connections that have fostered strong relations between India and the Arab world over the years.

"I am thrilled to host the Foreign Ministers and delegations from the Arab League today. The Arab world forms a vital part of India’s extended neighbourhood, intertwined by deep civilisational ties, dynamic people-to-people interactions, and lasting brotherly connections, alongside a mutual commitment to peace, progress, and stability," PM Modi shared on X following the discussions.

He expressed confidence that enhanced collaboration in technology, energy, trade, and innovation would unveil new opportunities and elevate the partnership to unprecedented levels.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reported that during this meeting, PM Modi articulated his vision for the future of the India-Arab partnership, reaffirming India’s dedication to deepen collaboration in sectors like trade and investment, energy, technology, healthcare, and other priority domains, for the mutual benefit of both nations.

"The Prime Minister reiterated India’s unwavering support for the Palestinian people and welcomed ongoing peace initiatives, including the Gaza peace plan. He acknowledged the pivotal role of the Arab League in fostering efforts towards regional peace and stability," a statement issued after the meeting noted.

India hosted the 2nd India-Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (IAFMM) on Saturday, with participation from all 22 Arab nations, represented by Foreign Ministers, other ministers, and senior officials of the Arab League. This meeting followed the 4th India-Arab Senior Officials’ Meeting held on Friday.

Saturday's discussions were co-chaired by India and the UAE. Notably, this was the first Foreign Ministers’ meeting in a decade, the previous one occurring in 2016 in Bahrain. During the inaugural FMM, ministers identified five key areas for collaboration: economy, energy, education, media, and culture, proposing a set of activities across these sectors.

According to the MEA, the India-Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting serves as the highest institutional framework driving this partnership, formalized in March 2002 when India and the League of Arab States (LAS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to institutionalize dialogue. A Memorandum of Cooperation was established for the creation of the Arab-India Cooperation Forum during the visit of then-Arab League Secretary General Amre Moussa to India in December 2008, which was later revised in 2013 for structural organization. India holds the status of an Observer within the League of Arab States, which is a pan-Arab entity comprising 22 member states.