External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday, 26 October 2026, met a group of diplomats from the League of Arab States (LAS) who are currently undergoing training at the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service in New Delhi. During the interaction, Jaishankar stressed the far-reaching impact of ongoing global conflicts and the transformative role of technology in shaping the contemporary world.

Key Themes Discussed

Jaishankar used the meeting to underscore the importance of close economic cooperation between India and Arab nations, framing both as neighbours and fellow members of the Global South. He emphasised the need to 'overcome chokepoints and neutralise unfair leverages' through stronger bilateral economic ties.

In a post on X, Jaishankar wrote: 'Pleased to meet a group of diplomats from the League of Arab States undergoing training at Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service. Discussed the far reaching impact of ongoing conflicts and the transformative role of technology in shaping today's world.'

He added: 'As neighbours and Global South partners, underlined the need for close economic cooperation to overcome chokepoints and neutralize unfair leverages. Encouraged them to use their time in India to deepen their understanding of the country and its people. Wished them a rewarding and enriching experience.'

India-Arab League Relations: The Background

The Arab League was established in Cairo in 1945, initially comprising seven founding members, with the mandate to promote the collective interests of Arab nations. The grouping now has 22 member states spanning North Africa and West Asia. India has historically maintained close and friendly ties with the nations that constitute the League, viewing the region as part of its extended neighbourhood.

Notably, India's engagement with the Arab world has been deepening at the institutional level. In August, Sripriya Ranganathan, Secretary (Consular, Passport and Visa and Overseas Indian Affairs) at the Ministry of External Affairs, held discussions with Khalid Manzalawi, Assistant Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, focused on advancing the Executive Programme 2026-28 — a framework adopted at the second India-Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting.

Why This Meeting Matters

This interaction comes against the backdrop of multiple active conflicts in West Asia that have significant humanitarian, energy, and diplomatic ripple effects on India. With a large Indian diaspora spread across Arab League member states and substantial trade and energy dependencies, New Delhi has a direct stake in stability across the region.

The focus on technology as a shaping force in diplomacy also aligns with India's broader foreign policy positioning — using its digital and tech credentials to build influence and offer alternatives, particularly in the Global South framework. The training programme at the Sushma Swaraj Institute reflects India's growing role as a capacity-building partner for developing nations' diplomatic corps.

What Comes Next

The ongoing training programme at the institute is expected to give Arab diplomats a firsthand understanding of India's governance, culture, and strategic outlook. With the Executive Programme 2026-28 framework in active implementation, further structured engagements between Indian and Arab League officials are anticipated in the coming months.