New Delhi: External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar on Saturday called for deeper India-Arab cooperation to address regional instability, counter terrorism, and expand collaboration in emerging areas such as digital technology, space, and innovation.
He was addressing the 2nd India-Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi.
Speaking against the backdrop of a rapidly changing global order, Jaishankar said developments in West Asia, particularly the Gaza conflict, have implications well beyond the region and directly affect India’s relations with Arab nations.
He noted that the comprehensive peace plan endorsed under UN Security Council Resolution 2803, following the Sharm-el-Sheikh Peace Summit in October 2025, remains a shared international priority.
The external affairs minister also flagged multiple regional crises requiring collective attention, including ongoing conflicts in Sudan and Yemen, concerns over maritime security, and instability in Lebanon, Libya, and Syria. He said India and Arab countries have a shared interest in strengthening forces of stability, peace, and prosperity across the region.
Highlighting terrorism as a common threat to both regions, Jaishankar reiterated India’s position of zero tolerance, stressing that cross-border terrorism violates fundamental principles of international relations and demands stronger international cooperation.
Jaishankar underlined India’s deepening engagement with the League of Arab States, noting that partnerships with several Arab countries have evolved to the strategic level.
He pointed to strong people-to-people ties, large Indian expatriate communities, energy partnerships, trade links, and growing cooperation in food and health security, according to the External Affairs Ministry.
The meeting reviewed the agenda of the India-Arab Cooperation Forum for 2026–28, which currently spans sectors such as energy, environment, agriculture, tourism, education, and culture.
Jaishankar said India is keen to expand cooperation into contemporary domains, including digital public infrastructure, start-ups, space, and innovation, alongside counter-terrorism efforts and parliamentary exchanges.
He also welcomed the launch of the India-Arab Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, describing it as a step that would complement bilateral engagements and strengthen economic ties.
Expressing confidence in the outcome of the meeting, Jaishankar said India is ready to share its people-centric technological experiences and best practices, adding that closer collaboration would be mutually beneficial.
