Published: 30 January 2026MEA / The Tribune / Times of OmanInternational
India and Arab League Adopt 'New Delhi Declaration' at Second India-Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting
On January 31, 2026, India and the League of Arab States adopted the 'New Delhi Declaration' at the conclusion of the Second India-Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting held in New Delhi on January 30–31, 2026. The meeting was co-chaired by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and UAE Minister of State Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar, with participation from all 22 Arab nations.
The declaration condemned terrorism in all its forms, with Arab ministers explicitly condemning the Pahalgam terrorist attack that targeted Indian tourists, and pledging zero tolerance toward terrorism. The document also called for urgent reforms to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to reflect contemporary global realities. With India-Arab bilateral trade exceeding USD 240 billion, the declaration committed to an Executive Programme for 2026–2028, identifying cooperation in green hydrogen, renewable energy, and artificial intelligence. Key future engagements scheduled include the first India-Arab Tourism Working Group, a Health Partnership Conference in 2026, an India-Arab Startup Conclave, and a Space Cooperation Working Group in 2027.
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Q: Examine the significance of the 'New Delhi Declaration' adopted at the Second India-Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting for India's West Asia diplomacy and economic partnership.
Answer (50 words):
On 31 January 2026, India and the 22-member Arab League adopted the New Delhi Declaration, co-chaired by EAM Jaishankar and UAE Minister Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar. Arab ministers condemned the Pahalgam terror attack, backed UNSC reform, and committed to green hydrogen, renewable energy and AI cooperation amid USD 240 billion trade.
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CoverageInternationalSubjectInternationalExamBasic Computer Instructor · CET Graduation · CET Senior Secondary · EO/RO · LDC · Mahila Supervisor · Patwar · PTI · RAS · REET · RPSC SI · School Lecturer · Senior Computer Instructor · Senior Teacher · UPSC · Vanpal · BothSourceMEA / The Tribune / Times of Oman
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Linked questionMedium
What approximate level has India-Arab bilateral trade crossed as noted in the declaration?
Explanation · Correct answer CThe declaration noted that India-Arab bilateral trade has exceeded USD 240 billion and committed to an Executive Programme for 2026-2028 covering green hydrogen, renewables and AI.
Frequently asked questions
When and where was the New Delhi Declaration adopted between India and the Arab League?
The New Delhi Declaration was adopted on January 31, 2026, at the Second India-Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting held in New Delhi.
What is the current bilateral trade volume between India and the Arab League?
Bilateral trade between India and the Arab League stands at approximately $240 billion, reflecting strong economic interdependence across energy, remittances, and goods trade.
How many member states does the Arab League have, and what does the New Delhi Declaration say about terrorism?
The Arab League has 22 member states. The New Delhi Declaration strongly condemns terrorism, specifically mentioning the Pahalgam attack, reaffirming zero tolerance for all forms of terrorist violence.
What reform did both India and the Arab League call for in the New Delhi Declaration?
Both India and the Arab League called for reforms to the UN Security Council to ensure equitable and democratic representation for all regions, including the Global South.
Which future-oriented sectors did the New Delhi Declaration commit to for India-Arab cooperation?
The New Delhi Declaration committed both sides to cooperation in green energy (renewable energy transition) and artificial intelligence — sectors critical for sustainable development and digital transformation.
