Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Jan 31: India on Saturday conveyed to member nations of the Arab League that “zero-tolerance” for terrorism must be an uncompromising universal norm, as both sides discussed the shared priority of advancing the Gaza peace plan and navigating the current geopolitical environment.
The issues came up during the second India-Arab foreign ministers’ meeting held in New Delhi, which witnessed participation from 19 Arab League member nations, widely regarded as an influential regional grouping. Several foreign ministers also called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of the meeting.
“The Arab world is a part of India’s extended neighbourhood, linked by deep civilisational bonds, vibrant people-to-people connections and enduring brotherly ties, as well as a shared commitment to peace, progress and stability,” Modi said.
He added that enhanced cooperation in technology, energy, trade and innovation could unlock new opportunities and take the partnership to greater heights.
In his inaugural address, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said taking forward the comprehensive peace plan to end the Gaza conflict, based on UN Security Council Resolution 2803, remains a widely shared priority.
“Various countries have made policy declarations on the peace plan, individually or collectively. This is the larger context in which we deliberate on the region’s challenges and prospects,” he said.
Jaishankar noted that the Middle East has witnessed multiple developments of considerable consequence in recent years, many of which have had an impact beyond the region. He said the shared interest of both sides calls for strengthening forces of stability, peace and prosperity.
Raising concerns over terrorism, Jaishankar stressed the need for coordinated international action to combat the threat.
“A common threat in both our regions to these objectives is that of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,” he said, adding that cross-border terrorism is especially unacceptable as it violates basic principles of international relations and diplomacy.
“Societies targeted by terrorism have the right to defend themselves and will understandably exercise it,” he said, in remarks seen as an apparent reference to Pakistan.
Jaishankar emphasised that global cooperation is essential to tackle what he described as a “global scourge”, reiterating that “zero-tolerance for terrorism must be an uncompromising universal norm.”
Highlighting the depth of ties with the region, Jaishankar said India has strong partnerships with all Arab League members, adding that the Arab world hosts some of India’s largest expatriate communities, serves as a key energy source, and remains central to major trade links and emerging connectivity initiatives.
“We are crucial to each other when it comes to food security and health security,” he said, adding that the meeting’s deliberations would also give a boost to several bilateral relationships.