Paper: GS – II, Subject: International Relations, Topic: global groupings, Issue: India-Arab Delhi Declaration.
Context:
The Delhi Declaration, resulting from the second India-Arab Foreign Ministers Meeting, provides valuable insights into the shared perspectives of India and the Arab League on various regional and international issues.
- The meeting occurred against a backdrop of escalating tensions in the Middle East, including the US-Iran standoff, growing divisions within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and the Trump administration’s efforts to resolve the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Key Takeaways:
| 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. |
Conflicts in the Region – Key Takeaways:
- Sovereignty & Non-Interference: The declaration stresses respect for sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Sudan, Somalia, and Libya, rejecting external interference.
- Internal Conflicts & External Role: Ongoing conflicts in these states are aggravated by external actors, including alleged support to rival factions and recognition of breakaway regions.
- India’s Diplomatic Stand: India and the Arab League reaffirm support for internationally recognised governments in Sudan and Libya and condemn atrocities against civilians.
- Yemen & Red Sea Security: The declaration explicitly condemns Houthi attacks on Red Sea navigation, signalling India’s growing concern over maritime security disruptions and regional instability.
Israel–Palestine Issue:
- Silence on Trump Plan (BoP): The Delhi Declaration avoids reference to the Trump administration’s Board of Peace.
- Support for Arab Peace Initiative (2002
- Two-State Solution & Palestinian Sovereignty
US–Iran Tensions:
- Avoidance of Escalatory References: The declaration omits mention of US military build-up around Iran to prevent aggravating regional tensions.
- Preference for De-escalation: Arab League states, led by Saudi Arabia, seek to deter military confrontation; India maintains diplomatic engagement with Iran.
- Economic & Sanctions Constraints: Lack of Chabahar funding despite long-term agreement highlights India’s strategic constraints due to US sanctions pressure.
The Delhi Declaration reflects India’s approach to the Middle East, characterized by a commitment to regional stability, support for Palestinian sovereignty, and a desire to maintain balanced relationships with key regional actors.
Source: (The Hindu)
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