India and the League of Arab States (LAS) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in combating terrorism in all its forms. During the second India-Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting held on January 31, 2026, both sides adopted the 'New Delhi Declaration,' signaling a reinforced strategic alliance.
The meeting, co-chaired by India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, saw participation from Foreign Ministers of Arab States and the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States. Discussions centered on regional and global issues, including the Palestinian question, the need for UN Security Council reforms, and counter-terrorism efforts.
Both India and the Arab League nations have expressed zero tolerance for terrorism, condemning it as a major threat to international peace and security. Arab Foreign Ministers conveyed their support for India in combating terrorism, particularly condemning the terrorist attack in Pahalgam that targeted Indian tourists. They acknowledged the misuse of drones and advanced technologies by terrorist groups for propaganda, recruitment, and trafficking of weapons and drugs.
The two sides have committed to taking decisive action against globally proscribed terrorists and their supporters, including those listed under the UNSC 1267 Sanctions Committee. They stressed the importance of strengthening international cooperation to combat terrorism, with External Affairs Minister Jaishankar emphasizing that "zero-tolerance for terrorism must be an uncompromising universal norm". He highlighted that cross-border terrorism is unacceptable as it violates international relations principles.
In addition to counter-terrorism cooperation, the meeting addressed the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with both sides advocating for a two-state solution, with a sovereign and independent State of Palestine based on 1967 borders. They welcomed the ceasefire agreement in Gaza resulting from the 2025 Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit and commended the roles of Egypt, Qatar, the United States, and Algeria. Concerns were raised regarding Houthi attacks on maritime navigation in the Red Sea, emphasizing the shared international responsibility of protecting the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
Furthermore, both parties reiterated their support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states, underscoring the importance of conducting international relations based on the UN Charter. They also recognized the significance of reforms to the UN Security Council to reflect current global realities.
