Archive · 1 Feb 2026
India-Arab Meeting Strengthens Ties, Focuses on Terrorism and Trade
India and the Arab countries had a big meeting to talk about how they can work together better.
The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, and the Foreign Ministers from 22 Arab countries discussed how their countries have strong historical ties and want to make them even stronger.
They talked about working together in areas like trade, energy, technology, and healthcare.
They also discussed how to fight terrorism and support peace in the region, especially in places like Gaza.
This meeting is important because it helps both India and the Arab countries understand each other better and find ways to help each other grow and stay safe.
India also said that they want to have zero-tolerance for terrorism and that they will work together to fight it.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the deep and historic people-to-people ties between India and the Arab world during the 2nd India-Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (IAFMM).
PM Modi expressed confidence that enhanced cooperation in technology, energy, trade, and innovation will unlock new opportunities and take the partnership to new heights.
India reaffirmed its commitment to further deepen cooperation in trade and investment, energy, technology, healthcare, and other priority areas for mutual benefit.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized the need for zero-tolerance for terrorism and strengthened international cooperation to combat it.
The meeting discussed regional challenges and prospects, including the situation in Gaza, Sudan, Yemen, Lebanon, Libya, and Syria, and the importance of the Gaza peace plan.
- Who
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Foreign Ministers of 22 Arab countries, Secretary General of the League of Arab States, and Heads of Arab delegations
- What
- 2nd India-Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (IAFMM) to strengthen ties and cooperation between India and the Arab world
- When
- Saturday (specific date not mentioned)
- Where
- New Delhi, India
- Why
- To enhance cooperation in various sectors, including trade, investment, energy, technology, healthcare, and to address regional challenges and prospects
India-Arab League Joint Statement
Critics of the Statement
Naming of Israel
India-Arab League Joint Statement
The joint statement did not explicitly criticize Israel, signaling a strategic maturity and caution in pronouncements about Israel as the war in Gaza rages.
Critics of the Statement
Some critics argue that not naming Israel in the context of the Middle East peace process is a missed opportunity to address the root causes of the conflict.
- Event
- 2nd India-Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (IAFMM)
- Participants
- Foreign Ministers of 22 Arab countries, Secretary General of the League of Arab States, and Heads of Arab delegations
- Co-chairs
- India and the UAE
- Last Meeting
- 2016 in Bahrain
- Priority Areas
- Economy, energy, education, media, culture, trade, investment, healthcare, technology, counter-terrorism, parliamentary exchanges
- India's Support
- Continued support for the people of Palestine and ongoing peace efforts, including the Gaza peace plan
- India-Arab Cooperation Forum
- Established in 2008, revised in 2013, covers energy, environment, agriculture, tourism, human resource development, culture, education, and more
- Trade Volume
- India's trade with Arab League countries exceeds $240 billion annually
Sources
Those Targeted By Terrorism Have Right To Defend: S Jaishankar
Deep civilisational bonds, enduring brotherly ties link India with Arab world: PM Modi
EAM Dr S Jaishankar asserts right to self-defence against terrorism at Arab foreign ministers’ meet
India and Arab League foreign ministers review counter-terrorism cooperation
Modi: Indo-Arab Ties to Unlock New Opportunities
India, Arab League nations call for two-state solution, zero tolerance to terrorism
India backs people of Palestine, Gaza peace plan, PM Modi tells Arab leaders
India, Arab League seek lasting peace in Middle East, avoid naming Israel
PM Modi reaffirms support for Palestine
PM Modi Meets Arab Leaders, Says India Backs Palestinians, Gaza Peace Plan
As Trump pushes for Gaza peace board, India, Arab League nations back 2-state solution on Palestine
India-Arab Meet Signals Strategic Messaging On Gaza Peace Process, Palestine Solidarity And Regional Power Balance
