India Hosts Arab Ministers Amid Syria Tensions and Regional Shifts
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In a significant diplomatic development, India is set to host foreign ministers from Arab League states on January 30-31, with the participation of Syria being closely watched. This will be the second ministerial meeting of the Arab-India Cooperation Forum, created to boost cooperation between New Delhi and the 22-member Arab League. The forum's first meeting was held in 2016, but plans for a second meeting in 2019 were scrapped due to scheduling issues and disagreements among Arab states. The upcoming meeting will coincide with a business forum organized by the India and Arab Countries Chamber of Commerce Industry and Agriculture. Around 15 Arab foreign ministers are expected to attend, including Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hasan al-Shaybani. A high-ranking Indian diplomat visited Damascus in mid-2025, marking the first such visit since Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa's government took office. The meeting takes place against the backdrop of growing tensions between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) over the situation in Yemen. Saudi Arabia has strengthened ties with Pakistan and Turkiye, while the UAE has forged closer ties with Israel. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed visited India on Monday, where the two sides agreed on a strategic defence partnership and a 10-year LNG supply deal. The level of participation by Saudi Arabia and the UAE at the upcoming meeting remains unclear, with decisions to be made closer to the dates. India has observer status with the Arab League, with its envoy in Cairo serving as the permanent representative. Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh met Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Aboul Gheit in Cairo on January 15, discussing India's engagement with the Arab League and the second India-Arab foreign ministerial meeting.
