India and the League of Arab States have reaffirmed their commitment to deepen the India-Arab partnership during talks in Cairo….reports Asian Lite News Desk
India and the League of Arab States have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation, with discussions in Cairo focusing on advancing an India-Arab Executive Programme and identifying new areas of partnership.
Sripriya Ranganathan, Secretary for Consular, Passport and Visa and Overseas Indian Affairs at India’s Ministry of External Affairs, met Khalid Manzalawi, Assistant Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, on Monday.
“Secretary (CPV and OIA) Ms Sripriya Ranganathan met H.E. Amb Khalid Manzalawi, Assistant Secretary-General of the League of Arab States. Discussions focused on advancing the Executive Programme 2026-28, adopted at the 2nd India-Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, including through concrete initiatives in new and emerging areas of cooperation. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the India-Arab partnership,” the Indian Embassy in Egypt stated on X.
The Executive Programme 2026-28 was adopted at the second India-Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and provides a framework for expanding cooperation between India and Arab countries.
The discussions in Cairo also highlighted efforts to translate the programme into concrete initiatives, particularly in emerging areas of mutual interest.
The meeting took place during Ranganathan’s official visit to Egypt, Palestine and Lebanon from August 16 to 21. According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, she is scheduled to meet counterparts and other stakeholders during the visit.
“The visit will focus on reinforcing India’s friendly ties with these countries and also offer an opportunity for discussions on regional developments and other issues of mutual interest,” the ministry said.
The MEA described the trip as Ranganathan’s maiden visit to Egypt, Palestine and Lebanon in her current capacity, adding that it is expected to contribute to further strengthening India’s ties with the region.
Ranganathan also highlighted India’s priorities as chair of BRICS in 2026 during the India-Egypt BRICS Partnership Conference in Cairo on Sunday.
She addressed the inaugural session of the conference, organised by the Indian Embassy in Egypt in collaboration with the Indian Council of World Affairs at the Diplomatic Club in Cairo.
“Secretary Ranganathan highlighted the priorities of India’s BRICS 2026 Chairship and underscored how the India-Egypt Strategic Partnership provides a strong foundation for closer cooperation within BRICS and for advancing the priorities of the Global South,” the Indian Embassy in Egypt said on X.
India and Egypt have maintained a strategic partnership, with both countries also engaging closely on issues concerning the Global South and multilateral cooperation.
The BRICS engagement has provided another platform for New Delhi and Cairo to coordinate on shared priorities, while India’s wider engagement with Arab countries has continued through diplomatic, economic and multilateral channels.
The latest meeting with the League of Arab States comes as India seeks to deepen its engagement with Arab countries through the implementation of the Executive Programme 2026-28.
The two sides are expected to pursue concrete initiatives in new and emerging areas of cooperation as part of efforts to broaden the India-Arab partnership.
Ranganathan’s meetings in Egypt, Palestine and Lebanon are also expected to provide an opportunity for discussions on regional developments and issues of mutual interest, alongside efforts to strengthen bilateral relations.
