India Arab dialogue resumes after a decade as New Delhi hosts Arab foreign ministers amid rapid geopolitical shifts in West Asia. After a hiatus of almost 10 years, India is set to welcome Foreign Ministers from Arab countries to a high-level regional dialogue. The regional dialogue, hosted by New Delhi and co-chaired with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), comes at a time when the Middle East geopolitical landscape is changing drastically.
In addition, all member countries of the Arab League will participate and engage officially as per the agreed-upon protocols at this meeting, resuming the dialogue under the India-Arab Foreign Ministers’ framework, which was created after the first meeting in Bahrain in 2006 to discuss and identify economic, energy, and educational priorities. Media and cultural cooperation have also been identified as an essential pillar of future cooperation.
To help facilitate mutually beneficial agreements among participating countries (including India), India established its institutionalised dialogue with Arab countries in 2002 and revised that framework again in 2013 to reflect India’s growing interest in this region and new ways of engaging and developing partnerships and collaborations among competing regional blocs, both of which have important diplomatic implications.
Strategic balancing shapes India Arab dialogue ahead of Israel outreach
The scheduled meeting of Indian officials and the Arab League is at the same time as Prime Minister Modi’s anticipated trip to Israel. Furthermore, both Israel and the Arab countries have had continuing relations with India. Foreign Minister Shahin (of Palestine) will be in attendance. She has recently met with India, asking for support towards rebuilding Gaza.
Further, New Delhi has not yet responded to the invitation from the U.S. peace board to participate. Arab leaders have been approached by members of the Indian delegation concerning the U.S. peace proposal. Israel and several other countries have already agreed to participate in the U.S. peace proposal. Given the ongoing regional military situations, India is showing caution in their outreach efforts. Recently, the potential for a U.S.-Israeli strike on Iran has increased the urgency of these discussions. The deputy NSA for India recently visited Tehran for discussions.
Gaza reconstruction and India’s diplomatic messaging
Palestinian authorities revealed that there has been an extreme level of damage throughout Gaza. Authorities from both rights groups and the United Nations are requesting that the world get involved in the repair process. An official said, “Everyone in Gaza is a refugee, literally sleeping in tents and partially collapsed structures.
The need for assistance is massive, and we would welcome all the help possible from countries like India.” India is taking a supportive view towards efforts at finding a lasting solution to the issues that have plagued Gaza. Authorities also feel that humanitarian assistance and rebuilding the economy will be two very integral areas of focus. Through this, New Delhi will continue to position itself as a constructive participant in the process of stabilizing the region.
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