Modi: Indo-Arab Ties to Unlock New Opportunities
Jaishankar noted that multiple developments of significant consequence had unfolded in the Middle East in recent years, with repercussions beyond the region.
New Delhi: India on Saturday told Arab League member nations that “zero-tolerance” for terrorism must be an “uncompromising universal norm”, as the two sides discussed taking forward the Gaza peace plan and navigating the current geopolitical churn.
The issue came up at the second India-Arab foreign ministers’ meeting in New Delhi, attended by representatives from 19 member countries of the Arab League, a key regional bloc. Several foreign ministers also called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of the meeting.
“The Arab world is a part of India’s extended neighbourhood, linked by deep civilisational bonds, vibrant people-to-people connections and enduring brotherly ties, as well as a shared commitment to peace, progress and stability,” Modi said. He added that stronger cooperation in technology, energy, trade and innovation would unlock new opportunities and take the partnership “to new heights”.
In his inaugural address, external affairs minister S. Jaishankar said advancing the comprehensive peace plan to end the Gaza conflict, based on United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803, was a widely shared priority. “Various countries have made policy declarations on the peace plan, individually or collectively. This is the larger context in which we deliberate on the region’s challenges and prospects,” he said.
Jaishankar noted that multiple developments of significant consequence had unfolded in the Middle East in recent years, with repercussions beyond the region. “Contemplating this multitude of challenges, our shared interest warrants strengthening forces of stability, peace and prosperity,” he said.
Flagging terrorism as a common concern, he called for concerted global action to combat it. “A common threat in both our regions to these objectives is that of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,” he said. “Cross-border terrorism is particularly unacceptable because it violates the basic principles of international relations and diplomacy,” he said, in remarks seen as an apparent reference to Pakistan. “Societies targeted by terrorism have the right to defend themselves and will understandably exercise it.” He said stronger international cooperation was essential to fight what he described as a “global scourge”. “Zero-tolerance for terrorism must be an uncompromising universal norm,” he said.
Jaishankar said India had strong partnerships with all Arab League members and noted that the region hosts some of India’s largest expatriate communities, key energy suppliers, major trade partners, and emerging technology and connectivity initiatives. “We are crucial to each other when it comes to food security and health security. Today’s deliberations, while of a collective nature, will nevertheless give a fillip to many bilateral ties,” he said.
He said India had built capacities and strengths in tune with the times, particularly in technology, and described these as people-centric. Sharing experiences and best practices in this area would be mutually beneficial, he added.
Referring to the broader global churn, Jaishankar said the meeting was taking place as the international order undergoes transformation. “Politics, economics, technology and demography are all fully in play,” he said, adding that the impact was especially visible in West Asia, where the landscape had “undergone a dramatic change” over the last year. “This obviously impacts all of us, and India as a proximate region. To a considerable degree, its implications are relevant for India’s relationship with Arab nations as well,” he said.