New Delhi is set to host the 2nd India-Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (IAFMM) on January 31, 2026, marking a significant milestone in India’s diplomatic engagement with the Arab world. The meeting will be co-chaired by India and the United Arab Emirates, with participation from Foreign Ministers of 22 Arab League member states and the Arab League Secretary-General.
The high-level dialogue comes after a decade since the first IAFMM was held in Bahrain in 2016. It aims to strengthen cooperation across five priority sectors identified earlier—economy, energy, education, media, and culture—while expanding the scope of partnership to address emerging global and regional challenges.
On January 30, 2026, the 4th India-Arab Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) was convened at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi as a precursor to the ministerial discussions. Senior officials reviewed progress made in bilateral and multilateral initiatives and prepared the agenda for the ministerial-level talks.
Officials noted that the meeting will provide an opportunity to deepen collaboration in trade, investment, and energy security, while also promoting academic exchanges, cultural cooperation, and media partnerships. The discussions are expected to include humanitarian and reconstruction efforts in Gaza, reflecting shared concerns over regional stability.
Hosting the IAFMM for the first time, India seeks to reinforce its role as a strategic partner for Arab nations, leveraging its growing economy, technological expertise, and cultural ties. The meeting underscores India’s commitment to building stronger South-South cooperation and enhancing its global diplomatic footprint.
The 2nd India-Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting is anticipated to lay the foundation for a more comprehensive partnership, positioning India and the Arab world as key collaborators in shaping a resilient and inclusive global order.
