Title: Indian External Affairs Minister Discusses Ties with Arab Nations
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held important discussions on Friday with foreign ministers from five Arab League member countries, including Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin. The talks aimed to strengthen India’s relationships in West Asia and address the current situation in the region.
These meetings took place just before the upcoming second India-Arab League foreign ministers’ gathering. This event is expected to highlight strategies to enhance New Delhi’s connections with Arab nations, particularly concerning the peace process in Gaza.
Jaishankar shared on social media that he and Shahin talked about the Gaza peace plan and other regional matters. He mentioned reviewing their development cooperation and planning future initiatives.
Shahin emphasized Gaza’s severe humanitarian crisis and called for immediate political action based on international law and the two-state solution. She expressed gratitude for India’s support and discussed ways to improve bilateral cooperation.
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry provided a summary, stating that Shahin stressed the urgent need for the global community to halt ongoing violations and alleviate the suffering of Palestinians. She highlighted the importance of creating a political path that adheres to international principles and legitimacy.
Shahin also noted the significance of linking efforts regarding Gaza to the New York Declaration. This includes ensuring the unity of Palestinian territories and paving the way for a two-state resolution.
She appreciated India’s contributions to humanitarian and development efforts, such as projects for a diplomatic institute and artificial limb support, which are crucial for the Palestinian people.
In addition to Shahin, Jaishankar met with various foreign ministers from countries like Somalia, Libya, Sudan, and Comoros, addressing topics such as trade, energy, health, and education. He highlighted India’s commitment to dialogue and diplomacy for lasting peace and stability during his discussions.
The India-Arab League foreign ministers’ meeting marks a significant reconnection after a decade. It will focus on cooperation in areas like economy, energy, education, media, and culture, as originally planned in a framework established in 2002. All 22 Arab League members are present, but only six countries are represented by their foreign ministers.
