India-Arab Foreign Ministers Meeting
India hosted the second India-Arab Foreign Ministers Meeting, marking a decade since the first in Bahrain. This occurred amid heightened tensions involving Iran, the US, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, with significant implications for India.
Geopolitical Context
- The meeting unfolded amidst:
- Escalating tensions between Iran and the US.
- Strained UAE-Saudi Arabia relations.
- US President Trump's Board of Peace initiative concerning Israel-Palestine.
- India made significant diplomatic moves by hosting UAE’s Mohammed bin Zayed and sending its Deputy NSA to Tehran.
Delhi Declaration and Regional Conflicts
The Delhi Declaration highlighted India's and the Arab League’s positions on regional conflicts and commitments to cooperation.
- Emphasized the sovereignty and integrity of nations like Sudan, Somalia, and Libya, while rejecting foreign interference.
- Highlighted the divide within the Arab League led by Saudi Arabia and the UAE, particularly their roles in Sudan and Libya.
- Condemned civilian atrocities and supported legitimate governments in Libya and Sudan.
- In Yemen, India and the AL condemned Houthi attacks, aligning with Saudi support for Yemen’s unity.
- Minimal mention of Syria, focusing on counter-terrorism efforts against ISIS.
Principal Conflicts
- The Declaration did not mention the Trump-led Board of Peace, though key Gulf states are involved.
- Supported the Arab Peace Initiative of 2002 over the US strategy for Israel-Palestine peace.
- Avoided discussing the US military build-up around Iran, reflecting efforts to maintain bilateral approaches and avoid regional instability.
Indian Diplomacy and Regional Strategy
India maintains a nuanced diplomatic approach, emphasizing cooperation across five key pillars: economy, energy, education, media, and culture.
- India-Arab trade exceeds $240 billion.
- India’s approach is transactional, maintaining strong partnerships while upholding its own normative positions to ensure regional stability.
- India is cautious in its investments and operations, such as the lack of budget allocation for the Chabahar Port in light of US sanctions.
Conclusion
The Delhi Declaration reinforces India’s pragmatic and strategic engagement with the Arab League, balancing its geopolitical interests while promoting stability in the Middle East and Gulf regions.
