SRINAGAR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday reiterated India’s continued support for the people of Palestine and underscored New Delhi’s commitment to strengthening ties with the Arab world, as he met Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin and a high-level delegation of Arab foreign ministers in New Delhi.
Modi held separate discussions with Dr Varsen Aghabekian Shahin, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the State of Palestine, and leaders attending the second India–Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, including the Secretary General of the League of Arab States and heads of Arab delegations.
India has been a long-standing development partner of Palestine, extending assistance both bilaterally and through United Nations agencies. So far, India has provided USD 170 million in development assistance to Palestine, with projects worth USD 40 million currently under implementation.
During his meeting with the Palestinian minister, Modi reaffirmed India’s steadfast support for the Palestinian cause and the rights of its people. He also emphasised India’s commitment to international law and relevant international resolutions, and assured continued humanitarian and development support.
Aghabekian briefed the Prime Minister on political and humanitarian developments in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, particularly the situation in Gaza amid ongoing conflict and deteriorating humanitarian conditions. She conveyed appreciation for India’s consistent support at multilateral forums, including the United Nations and the Human Rights Council. She expressed hope that Modi would visit Palestine in the near future.
Separately, the Prime Minister received a delegation of foreign ministers from Arab countries, along with the Secretary General of the League of Arab States, who are in India for the ministerial meeting.
Highlighting the “deep and historic people-to-people ties” between India and the Arab world, Modi said these connections have long inspired and strengthened relations. He outlined his vision for the India–Arab partnership and reaffirmed India’s commitment to deepening cooperation in trade and investment, energy, technology, healthcare and other priority sectors for mutual benefit.
Modi welcomed ongoing peace efforts in the region, including the Gaza peace plan, and appreciated the role of the Arab League in promoting regional peace and stability.
Addressing the ministerial meeting, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar noted that West Asia has witnessed several developments of “considerable consequence” in recent years, many with global implications. He said the situation in Gaza remains a major focus for the international community.
Referring to the Sharm-el-Sheikh Peace Summit and subsequent UN Security Council Resolution 2803, Jaishankar said advancing a comprehensive plan to end the Gaza conflict is now a shared priority. He also highlighted other regional challenges, including conflicts in Sudan and Yemen, concerns in Lebanon where India contributes troops to the UN Interim Force, and evolving situations in Libya and Syria.
India’s engagement with the Arab League is anchored in strong economic and strategic ties. India–Arab trade exceeds USD 240 billion, with hydrocarbon trade accounting for more than USD 107 billion. Arab countries supply over 95 per cent of India’s LPG imports, around 60 per cent of LNG and nearly 47 per cent of crude oil requirements, along with more than half of fertilisers and related products. Key maritime routes such as the Suez Canal, Red Sea and Gulf of Aden remain critical for India’s external trade.
The meetings marked a renewed push to consolidate India’s political, economic and strategic partnerships across the Arab region while reaffirming its support for peace and stability in West Asia.
