Paper: GS – II, Subject: International Relations, Topic: global groupings, Issue: India–Arab League Strategic Cooperation.
Context:
The 2nd India–Arab League Ministerial Meeting (New Delhi, January 2025) marks a significant step in institutionalising India’s engagement with the Arab League (LAS) at a time of global geopolitical flux, conflicts in West Asia, and realignment of regional power structures
Key Highlights:
India and the Arab League:
- The Arab League, officially known as the League of Arab States (LAS), was formed in Cairo on March 22, 1945, initially with seven members.
- Today, it has 22 member states from North Africa and West Asia.
- Headquarters: Cairo, Egypt.
- Official language: Arabic
- Engagement with the LAS was formalized in March 2002 with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), institutionalizing dialogue.
- The Arab-India Cooperation Forum (AICF) was established in December 2008.
- The first meeting of the AICF was held in January 2016 at Manama, Bahrain.
- There are four nations that were conferred observer status by the League: Brazil, Eritrea, India, and Venezuela.
- A new initiative called the India and Arab Countries Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture is scheduled to be inaugurated.
Key Pillars of Engagement: Strategic Partnerships and Security:
- Strategic partnerships with Oman (2008), the UAE (2015), Saudi Arabia (2019), Egypt (2023), and Qatar (2025).
- India’s support for the region in multilateral forums like BRICS and SCO.
- Convergence in strategic visions (e.g., Saudi Vision 2030, India’s Viksit Bharat 2047).
Security and Defence:
- Deface partnership agreements with Oman, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Qatar.
- India’s maritime security initiatives (SAGAR) promote collaboration against piracy and maritime threats.
- Agreement with Oman over the Duqm port for strategic naval advantage.
- Shared security concerns regarding Iran and the Gaza peace process.
- Support from LAS countries in India’s fight against cross-border terrorism.
- Joint production of defence equipment and export of weapon platforms (e.g., Tejas, BrahMos).
- Future cooperation in cyber, space, and drone technologies.
Looking Ahead:
- The Arab League region is critical to India’s global matrix as it grows economically, politically, and militarily.
- India is a strong and reliable partner for LAS countries.
- The meeting of foreign ministers in Delhi offers an opportunity to strengthen ties and explore new avenues of engagement.
Source: (The Hindu)
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