Modi Reaffirms India’s Support for Palestine, Deepens Ties With Arab World Amid Push for Peace and Stability
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday held wide-ranging discussions with a high-level delegation of Arab leaders visiting India for the second India-Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, underlining New Delhi’s steadfast support for the people of Palestine and welcoming renewed efforts toward peace in Gaza.
Following the interaction with foreign ministers, the Secretary General of the League of Arab States, and heads of Arab delegations, Modi took to social media to highlight the depth of India’s relationship with the Arab world.
He described Arab nations as part of India’s “extended neighbourhood,” bound by centuries-old civilisational ties, strong people-to-people connections, and a shared aspiration for peace, progress, and regional stability.
The Prime Minister also expressed optimism that expanding cooperation in areas such as technology, energy, trade, and innovation would unlock fresh opportunities and elevate the partnership to new heights.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Modi praised the Arab League’s constructive role in advancing regional peace and stability, particularly amid ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions in Gaza.
Peace Efforts Take Centre Stage
The discussions come at a crucial moment, especially after an invitation extended by Donald Trump to India to join a proposed Gaza Peace Board — a move New Delhi is still carefully evaluating.
The ministerial meeting is being co-chaired by India and the United Arab Emirates, reflecting the growing strategic convergence between the two sides.
Addressing the gathering, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stressed that advancing a comprehensive peace plan to end the Gaza conflict — in line with a United Nations Security Council resolution — remains a shared priority for many nations.
He noted that several countries have already issued policy statements backing the peace framework, adding that these deliberations form part of a broader effort to address the region’s complex challenges and prospects.
Strong Message on Terrorism
Jaishankar also sounded a strong warning on the persistent threat of terrorism, calling for united global action.
He emphasized that cross-border terrorism is particularly unacceptable as it violates the fundamental principles of international relations — remarks widely interpreted as a pointed reference to Pakistan.
“Societies targeted by terrorism have every right to defend themselves,” he said, adding that zero tolerance toward terrorism must become a universal and uncompromising norm.
A Partnership That Goes Beyond Diplomacy
Highlighting India’s deep engagement with Arab nations, Jaishankar pointed to:
- Massive Indian expatriate communities across the region
- Strong energy partnerships
- Expanding trade and shipping networks
- Emerging cooperation in technology and connectivity
He also underlined mutual dependence in areas such as food security and health security, saying that collective discussions would further energise several bilateral relationships.
Touching on the shifting global landscape, Jaishankar observed that politics, economics, technology, and demography are rapidly reshaping the world order — with the Middle East witnessing especially dramatic changes over the past year.
“These transformations have far-reaching implications not only for the region but also for India’s engagement with Arab nations,” he said.
Institutional Backbone of India-Arab Ties
The Ministry of External Affairs noted that the India-Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting is the highest institutional platform guiding the partnership, which was formalised in 2002. India also holds Observer status at the League of Arab States, which comprises 22 member countries.
The first edition of the meeting hosted by India had seen participation from all Arab nations, reflecting the growing importance of this diplomatic framework.
As India continues to balance its historical support for Palestine with deepening strategic ties across West Asia, the latest round of talks signals New Delhi’s intent to play a larger role in promoting peace, stability, and shared prosperity in the region.
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