Showing questions for January 30, 2026
- Total: 15 questions
Question 11 Jan 30, 2026
▼
Where was the first India-Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting held in 2016?
BahrainThe inaugural India-Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting took place in Manama, Bahrain in January 2016, establishing a significant milestone in institutionalized dialogue between India and the Arab world. During this meeting, participants adopted the Manama Declaration and an Executive Programme structured around five key cooperation verticals: Economy, Energy, Education, Media, and Culture. The 2016 meeting laid the foundation for structured engagement that would guide bilateral cooperation for the subsequent decade. After a gap of nearly ten years, India is now reviving this high-level diplomatic forum by hosting the second edition in New Delhi on January 31, 2026. The decade-long hiatus underscores the significance of the upcoming meeting in reinvigorating India-Arab strategic partnership amid evolving regional dynamics.
Question 12 Jan 30, 2026
▼
What is India's official status in the 22-member League of Arab States?
Observer StatusIndia has held Observer Status in the League of Arab States since 2010, which enables New Delhi to participate in LAS deliberations without voting rights. This status was formalized following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between India and the LAS in March 2002 to institutionalize structured dialogue. Observer status allows India to engage with all 22 Arab League member states spanning North Africa and the Middle East on political, economic, and cultural matters. Several other countries including Brazil, Armenia, Greece, and Venezuela also maintain observer status with the organization. India's observer position facilitates its participation in high-level forums like the India-Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting while respecting the LAS's character as a regional organization of Arab states.
Question 13 Jan 30, 2026
▼
Which five priority sectors were identified for India-Arab cooperation at the 2016 ministerial meeting?
Economy, Energy, Education, Media, and CultureThe first India-Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting held in Bahrain in 2016 identified five priority verticals for deepening bilateral cooperation: Economy, Energy, Education, Media, and Culture. These sectors were formalized through the Manama Declaration and accompanied by an Executive Programme outlining concrete activities across each domain. Progress has been steady under these verticals, including the Sixth India-Arab Partnership Conference in New Delhi (July 2023) for economic cooperation and the first India-Arab Universities' Presidents' Conference (February 2025) focusing on higher education collaboration. Energy cooperation has advanced through forums like the Arab-India Energy Forum held virtually in June 2021. The upcoming 2026 meeting in New Delhi is expected to review progress in these established sectors while potentially expanding engagement into new areas of mutual interest.
Question 14 Jan 30, 2026
▼
What significant diplomatic milestone does Libya's participation represent at the January 2026 meeting?
First visit by a Libyan minister since the 2011 overthrow of Muammar GaddafiLibya's participation in the second India-Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting is represented by Eltaher S.M. Elbaour, Foreign Minister of Libya's internationally recognized Government of National Unity. His visit marks the first by a Libyan minister to India since the 2011 overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi, signaling a gradual normalization of diplomatic ties between the two nations after years of political instability in Libya. The visit occurs against a complex backdrop where reports suggest Pakistan is exploring the sale of JF-17 fighter jets to eastern Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar, highlighting competing geopolitical interests in the region. India's engagement with Libya forms part of its broader strategy to rebuild diplomatic connections across conflict-affected Arab nations while maintaining balanced relations. This development reflects India's cautious but expanding diplomatic footprint in North Africa amid evolving regional power dynamics.
Question 15 Jan 30, 2026
▼
What is the approximate value of bilateral trade between India and Arab League countries as mentioned in the document?
$240 billionBilateral trade between India and Arab League countries is valued at approximately $240 billion in the last financial year, with hydrocarbon trade alone exceeding $107 billion. Arab League nations supply a significant share of India's crude oil, LNG, LPG, and fertilizers, making energy security a critical pillar of the relationship. Major shipping routes vital to India's commerce—including the Suez Canal, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden—are all bordered by Arab League members, underscoring the strategic importance of these trade linkages. Over 9 million Indians live and work in Arab League countries, forming a vital human bridge that strengthens economic and cultural connections between the regions. This substantial trade volume provides the economic foundation for expanding cooperation into new domains including renewable energy, digital connectivity, and supply chain partnerships during the upcoming ministerial dialogue.