How are EAM Jaishankar and Arab League Chief Strengthening Cooperation?
Synopsis
In a significant move to enhance relations, EAM S. Jaishankar met with Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Aboul Gheit in New Delhi. Their discussions focused on expanding cooperation across various sectors, setting the stage for upcoming high-level meetings. This meeting marks a pivotal moment in India-Arab relations, promising future collaborations.
Key Takeaways
EAM Jaishankar and Ahmed Aboul Gheit met to enhance cooperation.
Focus on multiple sectors including economy and energy .
Upcoming 2nd India-Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting on January 31.
First meeting held in Bahrain after 10 years.
India holds the status of an Observer in the League of Arab States.
New Delhi, Jan 30 (NationPress) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar convened with League of Arab States Secretary General Ahmed Aboul Gheit in New Delhi on Friday to deliberate on enhancing collaboration across multiple sectors.
In a post on X following their discussions, EAM Jaishankar expressed, "A fruitful meeting with Secretary General Ahmed Aboul Gheit this morning. We had an extensive dialogue about our cooperation and avenues for strengthening it across various domains. We also exchanged insights on recent regional developments."
Secretary General Gheit arrived in New Delhi on Thursday to participate in the second India-Arab Foreign Ministers’ and related meetings.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) warmly welcomed Gheit, who is an Egyptian politician and diplomat.
"Delighted to welcome H.E. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary General of the League of Arab States, who arrived in New Delhi for the 2nd India-Arab Foreign Ministers’ and related meetings. High-level engagements over the next two days signify our mutual commitment to a stronger India-Arab partnership across various sectors," stated MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on X.
India is scheduled to host the 2nd India-Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (IAFMM) on January 31, with participation from Foreign Ministers of other Arab League Member States and the Arab League Secretary General, co-hosted by India and the United Arab Emirates.
This second India-Arab Foreign Ministers Meeting aims to expand upon existing cooperation and enhance the partnership. The IAFMM will be preceded by the 4th India-Arab Senior Officials’ Meeting.
It has been a decade since the last Foreign Ministers' meeting, which took place in Bahrain in 2016. During that initial meeting, leaders identified five priority areas for cooperation: economy, energy, education, media, and culture, proposing various activities across these sectors.
According to the MEA, "The India-Arab Foreign Ministers Meeting represents the highest institutional platform driving this partnership, formalized in March 2002 when India and the League of Arab States (LAS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to institutionalize the dialogue process."
"A Memorandum of Cooperation was established for the Arab-India Cooperation Forum during the visit of the then Secretary General of the Arab League, Amre Moussa, to India in December 2008, which was later revised in 2013 for structural organization. India holds the status of an Observer to the League of Arab States, a pan-Arab entity comprising 22 member states," it added.
Point of View
The meeting between EAM Jaishankar and Arab League Secretary General Gheit signifies a crucial step towards strengthening India-Arab relations. This engagement not only reflects India's commitment to fostering diplomatic ties but also emphasizes the importance of collaborative efforts in various sectors, which can lead to mutual benefits and stability in the region.
NationPress
15 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of the meeting between EAM Jaishankar and Ahmed Aboul Gheit?
The meeting aimed to discuss enhancing cooperation between India and the League of Arab States across various sectors.
When is the 2nd India-Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting scheduled?
The 2nd India-Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting is scheduled for January 31.
What are the key areas of collaboration discussed?
The key areas of collaboration include economy, energy, education, media, and culture.
Who welcomed Ahmed Aboul Gheit upon his arrival in New Delhi?
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) extended a warm welcome to Ahmed Aboul Gheit.
What is India's status with the League of Arab States?
India is an Observer to the League of Arab States, which consists of 22 member states.
