Why in News ? The Delhi Declaration (January 31, 2026) marks a significant milestone in India-Arab relations, transitioning from historical ties to a modern, strategic partnership.

1. Institutional Framework & Future Roadmap:

• Executive Program (2026-2028): A concrete timeline was set for various summits, including the 3rd Ministerial Meeting (2028), a Startup Conclave (2027), and working groups on Space and Tourism.
• High-Level Consultations: Agreement to hold regular sectoral consultations led by respective Ministers to ensure specific activities are implemented rather than just discussed.

2. Economic and Technological Synergy:

• Trade & Investment: Welcomed robust trade exceeding US$240 billion. Focused on emerging sectors like green hydrogen, infrastructure, and startups.
• Energy Security: Transitioning from traditional oil/gas cooperation to Renewable Energy and green technologies. India encouraged Arab participation in the Global Biofuel Alliance and ISA.
• Digital & AI: Emphasized cooperation in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital technologies while respecting national sovereignty and ethical frameworks.

3. Connectivity and Food Security:

• Food Security: Enhanced cooperation in agriculture and fertilizers to stabilize food supply chains. A dedicated Agriculture & Food Security Conference is slated for 2027.
• Maritime Initiatives: The Arab side briefed India on the STREAM initiative (Suez Canal-Red Sea development) to boost maritime logistics and “Blue Economy” in the Red Sea region.

4. Healthcare and Space Cooperation:

• Pharmaceuticals: India sought recognition of the Indian Pharmacopoeia in Arab nations to provide affordable, high-quality drugs.
• Space: Establishment of the India-Arab Space Cooperation Working Group (2027) to harness satellite technology for developmental goals.

5. Geopolitical and Security Positions:

• Palestine: Reaffirmed support for a two-state solution based on 1967 borders. Welcomed the 2025 Gaza ceasefire and noted the formation of a Palestinian technocratic committee for Gaza’s administration.
• Regional Stability: Reaffirmed support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon, Libya, Sudan, Somalia, and Yemen.
• Counter-Terrorism:
  • Strongly condemned the Pahalgam terrorist attack (targeting Indian tourists).
  • Adopted a “zero tolerance” approach and condemned the use of drones by terrorists for trafficking and attacks.
  • Welcomed the Algeria Guiding Principles on preventing terror financing via emerging tech.

6. Global Governance & The Global South:

• UNSC Reform: Called for an expansion of the UN Security Council in both permanent and non-permanent categories to reflect contemporary realities.
• Voice of Global South: The Arab League praised India’s leadership in representing the Global South and agreed to coordinate closely at the UN in New York and Geneva.

7. Soft Power and Diaspora:

• Indian Diaspora: Acknowledged the 9 million-strong Indian community in Arab states as a “living bridge.”
• Culture & Education: Welcomed the registration of “Henna” on the UNESCO heritage list and the 1st India-Arab University Presidents Conference.

About Arab League:

• Arab League members (22 countries)
• Arab League consists of 22 member states spanning West Asia and North Africa, formed to promote political, economic, and cultural coordination among Arab countries.

West Asia (Middle East):

• Saudi Arabia, United Arab
• Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Palestine

North Africa:

Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Mauritania, Sudan, Somalia, Djibouti, Comoros

HQ:

• Egypt (Cairo) hosts the headquarters of the Arab League.
• Palestine is a full member.
• Comorosis the only island nation in the Arab League.

India & Arab League:

Institutional Evolution & Background:

• Foundation: The Arab League, established in 1945, consists of 22 member states across West Asia and North Africa.
• Formalization: India formalised its engagement in 2002 via an MoU that initiated structured political dialogue.
• Expansion: The Arab–India Cooperation Forum (2008) was a turning point, followed by the appointment of India’s Ambassador to Egypt as the Permanent Representative to the Arab League in 2010.

Political and Strategic Convergence:

• Strategic Partnerships: Since 2008, India has upgraded ties with major Arab powers, focusing on regional stability and counter-terrorism.
• Vision Alignment: There is a significant synergy between India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 and Arab national blueprints like Saudi Vision 2030, aligning long-term development goals.

Trade, Investment, and Connectivity:

• Economic Scale: Bilateral trade exceeds USD 240 billion. The UAE remains India’s top partner within the league, with trade surpassing USD 115 billion.
• Inbound Investment: Massive sovereign wealth fund commitments have been pledged:
  • UAE: USD 75 billion
  • Saudi Arabia: USD 100 billion
  • Qatar: USD 10 billion
• Strategic Corridors: The India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) serves as a modern silk route, enhancing connectivity through the Red Sea and Suez Canal.

Energy and Food Security:

• Primary Supplier: The Arab region is the backbone of India’s resource security, providing:

• • 60% of crude oil imports.
  • 70% of natural gas (LNG).
  • 50%+ of fertiliser imports (critical for India’s agriculture).

• LNG Landmark: A massive USD 78 billion deal with Qatar ensures 7.5 million tonnes of gas annually for the next 20 years.

Digital and Financial Cooperation:

• FinTech Expansion: India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) is going global through:
  • Deployment of RuPay cards and UPI in multiple Arab nations.
  • A Rupee–Dirham settlement mechanism to bypass third-party currencies.
• Currency Confidence: Since 2023, the acceptance of the Indian Rupee at Dubai airports symbolizes the growing global trust in the Indian economy.

Defence and Security Cooperation:

• Maritime Reach: Partnerships with Oman, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt include joint naval exercises and maritime security.
• Strategic Access: India’s access to Oman’s Duqm Port is a vital strategic asset, extending the Indian Navy’s reach in the western Indian Ocean.
• Counter-Terrorism: Arab nations have consistently supported India’s position on cross-border terrorism, reflecting a shared zero-tolerance policy.