India is set to host the second India-Arab Foreign Ministers Meeting (IAFMM) on January 31, 2026, in New Delhi. This significant diplomatic event marks a renewed engagement with the Arab world after a decade-long hiatus. Co-chaired by India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the meeting will include foreign ministers from Arab League member states and the League’s Secretary General, aiming to strengthen political and strategic ties.
The inaugural meeting was held in Bahrain in 2016, where ministers identified five priority areas for cooperation: economy, energy, education, media, and culture. This second meeting intends to build on these foundations, expanding the India UAE ties.
The meeting is the highest institutional mechanism guiding the partnership, established in March 2002 through a memorandum of understanding between India and the League of Arab States (LAS). India currently holds observer status in the LAS, a pan-Arab body comprising 22 member states.
This event will be the first time India hosts the India-Arab Foreign Ministers Meeting in New Delhi, with participation from all 22 Arab countries, represented by foreign ministers, other ministers, ministers of state, senior officials, and the Arab League. The meeting follows the fourth India–Arab Senior Officials’ Meeting held on January 30, 2026.
The significance of the meeting is underscored by the expected attendance of 15 foreign ministers, including Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hasan al-Shaybani. This would be the first ministerial-level engagement between New Delhi and Damascus since the formation of the government led by former HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa.
India Hosts India-Arab Foreign Ministers Meeting
The meeting occurs amid tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE over Yemen, with Saudi forces having recently struck an Emirati shipment intended for the Southern Transitional Council. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has drawn closer to Pakistan and Turkiye, while the UAE has strengthened ties with Israel.
Palestine’s Foreign Minister, Dr. Varsen Aghabekian Shahin, praised the meeting as an important platform for discussing issues, including the situation in Palestine. Shahin noted India’s unique position as a friend to both Israel and Palestine, emphasizing its potential role in fostering dialogue.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, January 31st, 2026
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