India and the Arab League states presented a broader vision of deeper bilateral ties, proposed a sovereign and viable Palestinian state living side by side with Israel, and emphasized the need to conduct international relations based on the UN Charter.
At the second meeting of the Indian-Arab Foreign Ministers, both sides condemned cross-border terror and called on all countries to work together to fight terrorism, dismantle terrorist infrastructures and terrorist financing, and bring the perpetrators of terrorist acts to justice without delay.
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The meeting hosted by India was attended by 19 member countries of the Arab League, which is considered an influential grouping.
Prime Minister Modi met Arab foreign ministers
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who met Arab foreign ministers in New Delhi for the second meeting of India-Arab foreign ministers, reiterated India’s “unwavering support” to the Palestinians and US President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan.
Prime Minister Modi also expressed his appreciation for the role of the Arab League in supporting regional peace and stability efforts, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said.
India has not yet joined Trump’s Gaza ‘Peace Committee’. On Friday, visiting Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian said India would decide to join the proposed “peace council” in line with its own understanding of peace. She also emphasized that any genuine efforts to end the conflict should be welcomed.
Talking about the US-backed initiative he announced President Donald TrumpAghabekian was quoted by The Times of India as saying that India will decide according to its understanding of peace and international law. “Each country can decide for itself and each country will look after its own interests,” she said.
Joint efforts in the fight against terrorism
A statement after Saturday’s meeting said both sides agreed to strengthen joint efforts to fight terrorism in all its forms and manifestations while strongly condemning the heinous terror attack in Pahalgam targeting innocent Indians.
She said that the member countries of the Arab League have reaffirmed their full and steadfast support to India in the fight against terrorism in all its forms.
The statement said the meeting discussed a wide range of regional and global issues of common concern, including the Palestine issue, support for multilateralism and respect for state sovereignty, the fight against terrorism and reform of the UN Security Council.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding international peace and security, it said.
“Both sides emphasized the importance of international relations being based on respect for the Charter of the United Nations, particularly the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-interference in internal affairs,” the statement said.
He added that both sides reaffirmed their commitment to achieving “a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East in accordance with international law, relevant UN resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.”
“They called for a sovereign, independent and viable Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, living side by side in peace with Israel. Both sides supported the exercise of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people,” the statement said.
Both sides welcomed the results of last year’s peace summit in Sharm El-Sheikh, which culminated in the conclusion of a cease-fire agreement in Gaza.
“They appreciated the key role played by the Arab states – especially the Arab Republic of Egypt and the State of Qatar – as well as the United States of America,” the Delhi Declaration said.
She said the meeting urged all parties involved to fully comply with the implementation of the agreement and noted the launch of the Arab-Islamic plan for relief, recovery and reconstruction in the Gaza Strip.
She further emphasized the need to ensure adequate, sustained and unfettered access to humanitarian and humanitarian assistance throughout the Gaza Strip, which will guarantee the continued operations of humanitarian agencies and international and humanitarian organizations.
The remarks by India and the Arab League nations come just days after US President Donald Trump unveiled his “Board of Peace” which seeks to bring lasting peace to Gaza and eventually resolve global conflicts.
India and the Arab League states have also pledged to expand cooperation in energy, digital domain, health and education.
Both sides condemned Houthi militia attacks on maritime shipping and stressed that protecting the vital Bab al-Mandab strait and the southern Red Sea is not only an Arab and regional responsibility, but also a shared international responsibility and a matter of global concern.
Each country can decide for itself and each country would look after its own interests.
They warned against any attempt to undermine stability in the Gulf of Aden, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean, the statement said.
The two sides also reaffirmed their joint commitment to act as “constructive forces” for peace, justice and sustainable development and to strengthen South-South cooperation.
