Transformation in Middle East relevant for India's relationship with Arab nations: EAM S Jaishankar

Middle East Shifts Reshape Global Dynamics

The world is in flux, with politics, economics, technology, and demographics driving profound changes everywhere. Nowhere are these transformations more evident than in the Middle East, where the regional landscape has shifted dramatically over the past year. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar made these observations while addressing the 2nd India-Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting in New Delhi on January 31, 2026. This gathering, hosted by India for the first time, brought together representatives from all 22 Arab League nations, including foreign ministers and senior officials. Jaishankar emphasized that these developments directly affect India as a neighboring region, influencing its relationships with Arab countries in meaningful ways. The meeting comes at a pivotal moment, underscoring the need for collective dialogue on shared challenges and opportunities.

Conflicts across the region, from Gaza to Sudan, Yemen, Lebanon, Libya, and Syria, have drawn global attention. The ongoing crisis in Gaza stands out, having dominated international discourse. Jaishankar pointed to the Sharm-el-Sheikh Peace Summit in October 2025 and the subsequent UN Security Council Resolution 2803 in November 2025 as key milestones. These efforts have led to a comprehensive plan to end the Gaza conflict, now seen as a widely shared priority among nations, with many issuing policy declarations individually or collectively. This backdrop frames discussions on stability, peace, and prosperity in the Middle East, areas vital to India's interests.

India's Deepening Bonds with Arab Partners

India's ties with Arab nations have evolved from historical collaboration to robust strategic partnerships. Jaishankar noted that India maintains strong relations with all League of Arab States members, many at a strategic level. These connections are underpinned by large Indian expatriate communities, energy supplies, trade flows, and growing initiatives in technology and connectivity. Mutual dependence extends to food and health security, making the relationship indispensable. The India-Arab Cooperation Forum provides a vital platform to translate goodwill into tangible actions, impacting both collective efforts and bilateral engagements. Recent launches, like the India-Arab Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture, signal fresh momentum in economic collaboration.

Looking ahead, the forum is set to review a cooperation agenda for 2026-28, building on existing areas such as energy, environment, agriculture, tourism, human resource development, culture, and education. India is pushing for modern additions like digital technologies, space, startups, and innovation. Plans also include joint work on counter-terrorism and parliamentary exchanges. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's interactions with Arab delegates reinforced this vision, framing trust as a strategic asset linking historical bonds to future ambitions. These steps aim to institutionalize ties, ensuring resilience against leadership changes or global disruptions.

Unified Stance Against Terrorism and Regional Threats

Terrorism emerges as a common menace threatening both India and Arab nations, with cross-border variants drawing particular condemnation for undermining international norms. Jaishankar asserted that societies under terrorist attack have the inherent right to self-defense and will exercise it. He called for zero tolerance as a universal principle, urging enhanced global cooperation to eradicate this scourge. Strengthening forces of stability, peace, and prosperity aligns with shared interests amid regional volatility. For India, proximity heightens stakes involving energy security, maritime routes, expatriate welfare, and diplomatic standing. Collaborative approaches to these issues promise mutual benefits, positioning the partnership as a stabilizing force.

Politics, economics, technology and demography are all fully into play. Nowhere is this more apparent than in West Asia or the Middle East, where the landscape itself has undergone a dramatic change in 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.

The meeting highlights India's proactive diplomacy in a transforming world. By addressing Gaza's resolution, counter-terrorism, and expanded cooperation, it lays groundwork for enduring India-Arab synergy. Key takeaways include recognizing Middle East changes' relevance to bilateral ties, prioritizing peace plans like Gaza's, and advancing a forward-looking agenda in energy, tech, and security. This framework not only bolsters stability but also elevates the Global South's voice on the world stage.