India Hosts Arab Foreign Ministers Meeting After Decade-Long Gap

India is set to host the second India–Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (IAFMM) on January 31, 2026, marking the revival of a key diplomatic platform after a gap of nearly ten years. The meeting will be co-chaired by India and the United Arab Emirates, with participation from all 22 Arab countries and representatives of the Arab League. This will be the first time New Delhi hosts the forum, reflecting India’s growing engagement with the Arab world.

Background of the India–Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting

The IAFMM was formalised in 2002 following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between India and the League of Arab States to institutionalise structured dialogue. The first ministerial-level meeting was held in Bahrain in 2016, where both sides agreed to deepen cooperation across five priority sectors: economy, energy, education, media, and culture. The framework was further strengthened through the Arab–India Cooperation Forum, established in 2008 and revised in 2013.

Focus Areas: Energy, Trade, and Education

The upcoming meeting is expected to place strong emphasis on energy security, trade facilitation, and educational collaboration. With West Asia remaining a critical energy partner for India, discussions are likely to cover long-term oil and gas supply arrangements, renewable energy cooperation, and investment partnerships. Trade and investment ties, including supply chains and digital connectivity, are also expected to feature prominently, alongside initiatives in higher education, skill development, and academic exchanges.

Participation and Diplomatic Significance

All 22 Arab states are expected to be represented by foreign ministers, ministers of state, or senior officials, underlining the collective importance attached to the dialogue. The meeting will be preceded by the fourth India–Arab Senior Officials’ Meeting on January 30, 2026, aimed at setting the agenda and consolidating outcomes. The event also builds on recent high-level engagements, including interactions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, highlighting the strategic depth of India–Gulf relations.

Important Facts for Exams

• IAFMM was formalised in 2002 through an MoU between India and the League of Arab States.
• India is an Observer to the League of Arab States, which has 22 member countries.
• The first IAFMM was held in Bahrain in 2016.
• Priority cooperation sectors include economy, energy, education, media, and culture.

India’s Expanding Role in the Arab World

By hosting the IAFMM, India aims to project itself as a reliable economic and strategic partner in West Asia. The forum provides an opportunity to align political dialogue with economic priorities and people-to-people ties, reinforcing India’s broader West Asia policy amid evolving regional and global dynamics.