Why in news?
India hosted the second India-Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting on January 31, 2026, in New Delhi, co-chaired by India and the UAE. Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Arab leaders, reaffirming India's support for Palestinians and a Gaza peace plan while discussing counter-terrorism and trade goals targeting $500 billion by 2030.
Major Outcomes:
- Reaffirmed commitment to the Palestinian cause and the two‑state solution.
- Condemned terrorism in all forms and pledged deeper cooperation in counter‑terrorism.
- Strengthened economic ties, with bilateral trade between India and Arab states exceeding USD 240 billion.
- The Arab League continues to push forward the Greater Arab Free Trade Area (GAFTA), aiming to reduce tariffs and boost intra‑Arab trade
- Expanded cooperation in energy, education, and culture
About the Arab League
The Arab League, officially called the League of Arab States, is a regional organization of 22 Arab countries founded in 1945 to promote political, economic, cultural, and security cooperation across the Arab world. Its headquarters is in Cairo, Egypt, and it plays a major role in issues like the Palestinian cause, regional conflicts, and economic integration.
Key Facts
- Founded: March 22, 1945, through the Alexandria Protocol.
- Headquarters: Cairo, Egypt.
- Members: 22 countries including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, and others.
- Official Language: Arabic.
Purpose and Goals
- Political Cooperation: Coordinate policies among Arab states and present a unified stance in global affairs.
- Support for Palestine: The Arab League has consistently backed the creation of a sovereign Palestinian state alongside Israel.
- Economic Integration: Initiatives like the Greater Arab Free Trade Area (GAFTA) launched in 2005.
- Security: Joint defense agreements and collective action against terrorism.
- Cultural Collaboration: Promotion of Arabic language, heritage, and education.
Challenges and Criticisms
- Internal Divisions: Member states often disagree on foreign policy, limiting effectiveness.
- Limited Enforcement Power: Resolutions are often symbolic and not binding.
- Regional Conflicts: Struggles in Syria, Yemen, and Libya have tested unity.
- Dependence on Consensus: Decisions require unanimity, slowing action.
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