PM Modi meets Arab foreign ministers ahead of India–Arab League talks

Highlighting India’s deep-rooted people-to-people ties with the Arab world, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday met a delegation of Arab foreign ministers and the Arab League Secretary General during their visit for the second India–Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Friday held separate bilateral talks with foreign ministers from several Arab League member countries as India intensified diplomatic outreach in West Asia amid evolving regional geopolitics.

The meetings were held ahead of the second India–Arab League Foreign Ministerial Meeting , scheduled in New Delhi on Saturday, which is expected to see participation from representatives of more than 20 Arab nations.

Jaishankar met his counterparts from Comoros, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Palestine , and also held discussions with Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit . The talks focused on strengthening bilateral relations and exchanging views on key regional and international developments, particularly in West Asia.

According to official statements, discussions covered a wide range of areas including trade, energy, infrastructure, education, health, capacity building and consular cooperation . Jaishankar described his interaction with Aboul Gheit as wide-ranging, noting that both sides explored ways to deepen cooperation across sectors while reviewing recent regional developments.

The engagements come against the backdrop of heightened geopolitical churn in West Asia, driven by the ongoing conflict in Gaza , political instability in countries such as Sudan and Libya , and broader realignments among regional and global powers. India has sought to maintain dialogue with all stakeholders, emphasising diplomacy and peaceful resolution of conflicts.

During his meeting with Somalia’s foreign minister, Jaishankar discussed avenues to expand cooperation in trade, education, health and multilateral forums . Talks with Libya focused on enhancing collaboration in business, infrastructure and energy , with India reiterating its support for dialogue-based solutions to ensure regional stability.

In discussions with Sudan’s foreign minister, Jaishankar reiterated India’s call for an end to violence and a return to dialogue , while reviewing India’s humanitarian assistance and capacity-building initiatives. The meeting with the Palestinian foreign minister included an exchange of views on the Gaza Peace Plan and a review of India’s ongoing development cooperation with Palestine.

India’s engagement with the Arab world is viewed as strategically significant, given the region’s importance for energy security, trade, maritime routes and the welfare of the Indian diaspora . The meetings underscore New Delhi’s effort to position itself as a constructive and balanced partner in West Asia amid rapid political and strategic shifts.