Sudan’s civil war, raging since April 2023, has claimed countless lives and uprooted families across the nation, plunging the country into prolonged instability. The minister detailed ongoing measures to protect civilians, noting close coordination with the UN. High-ranking UN officials have directly interacted with affected communities, a step he described as vital. ‘Our government is performing well in this area,’ Ibrahim affirmed, stressing the priority of citizen safety.

Shifting focus to India, the Sudanese leader expressed admiration for PM Modi’s people-centric approach. ‘You should congratulate yourselves for such a leader who always seeks new avenues for his citizens,’ he remarked. ‘His repeated electoral victories are a testament to his effectiveness.’

Scheduled for Saturday, the IAFMM – jointly hosted by India and the UAE – will bring together foreign ministers from Arab League countries and the organization’s Secretary-General. It builds on Friday’s Senior Officials’ Meeting and revives a dialogue paused for a decade since the 2014 Bahrain summit.

That first meeting laid the groundwork by identifying energy, economy, education, media, and culture as core cooperation areas, complete with action plans. The partnership traces back to a 2002 MoU between India and the League of Arab States, establishing regular institutional exchanges. India’s External Affairs Ministry positions the IAFMM as the cornerstone of these enduring ties.

This renewed engagement comes at a crucial juncture, amid regional challenges and global shifts. Sudan’s positive remarks on Indian leadership highlight potential for emulating successful models in governance and development, fostering mutual growth and stability across the India-Arab world.

Taking to X, Jaishankar detailed the afternoon huddle: productive exchanges on bolstering trade links, infrastructure projects, and energy collaborations. He appreciated El-Arbash’s insights into Libya’s domestic challenges and reiterated New Delhi’s firm stance on dialogue-driven resolutions for regional harmony.

Libya, once a major oil producer, remains fractured post-Gaddafi era, with rival factions vying for control. India’s outreach signals intent to safeguard investments and promote stability, vital for North African energy flows to global markets.

The MEA rolled out the red carpet for El-Arbash upon his Friday arrival. ‘Welcoming the Foreign Minister of Libya, H.E. Mr. Najm El-Deen El-Arbash, whose participation in the India-Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and programmes in New Delhi will provide positive momentum to our bilateral relations,’ it announced online.

Joining the fray were Somalia’s Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, whose visit MEA hailed as a booster for bilateral bonds, and League of Arab States chief Ahmed Aboul Gheit, who touched down Thursday. ‘Thrilled to welcome LAS Secretary General H.E. Ahmed Aboul Gheit for the 2nd IAFMM and associated meetings. These engagements highlight our joint resolve for deepened India-Arab collaboration,’ MEA noted.

The summit’s timing aligns with India’s strategic pivot towards Arab partnerships, amid shifting global alliances. Beyond bilaterals, plenary sessions promise advancements in counter-terrorism, maritime security, and sustainable development.

As world leaders converge, this platform not only mends historical ties but charts a proactive course for mutual prosperity. Jaishankar’s deft diplomacy positions India as a reliable mediator in turbulent times, with eyes on long-term gains in energy and beyond.

Arrivals kicked off with high-profile guests: Comoros’ Mbe Mohamed, Palestine’s Warsen Agabekian Shahin, and Sudan’s Mohiuddin Salim Ahmad Ibrahim. MEA officials received them with protocol honors, highlighting the visits’ role in enhancing direct ties and grassroots interactions.

Co-chaired by India and UAE, the event will unite all 22 Arab League foreign ministers and the organization’s top leadership. It’s a historic first for New Delhi, following the 2016 Bahrain precedent where focus areas like economy, energy, education, media, and culture were pinpointed for joint ventures.

India’s observer role in the 22-member LAS underscores its strategic stake. Preceding the ministers’ huddle, senior officials will convene on January 30 for the fourth SOM. This framework, rooted in a 2002 MoU and bolstered by the 2008 Arab-India Forum (updated 2013), represents the pinnacle of structured engagement.

With 20 nations already locked in for 2026’s follow-up, this gathering is poised to deliver tangible roadmaps. From energy deals to educational exchanges, the summit could unlock opportunities worth billions, cementing India’s position as a bridge between South Asia and the Middle East amid global shifts.

Arriving for the second India-Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and the fourth Senior Officials’ Meeting set for 2026, Agabekian sees these gatherings as opportunities to tackle Gaza reconstruction, peace blueprints, and shared concerns between India and Arab states.

‘India can act as a bridge because it enjoys friendship with Palestine and Israel alike,’ she told reporters, urging active Indian involvement in peace efforts. The minister views the forums as essential for substantive discussions on pressing regional issues.

With India and the UAE co-chairing the January 31 IAFMM alongside Arab League representatives, the event underscores growing India-Arab collaboration. Agabekian hailed the New York Declaration as a roadmap for Palestinian statehood, committing to partner with endorsing countries for implementation.

Reflecting on future leadership strategies, she emphasized collective enforcement of declaration pledges. Regarding US overtures to India on Gaza plans, she suggested New Delhi evaluate alignments with its interests as a global leader.

Agabekian called for Hamas disarmament to promote unity and reiterated opposition to violence, favoring negotiated settlements under global norms. Her outreach highlights India’s rising diplomatic clout amid Middle East volatility, potentially reshaping peace dynamics.