Arab-India Forum, a bridge to strategic partnership: Kuwait envoy to India
Al-Shamali highlights vast potential in Arab-Indian Cooperation; seen as a move toward broader strategic ties
Kuwait’s Ambassador to India, H.E. Meshal Al-Shamali, has described the Arab-Indian Cooperation Forum as a vital bridge toward a strategic partnership and a brighter future for both sides.
Speaking to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Al-Shamali said the meeting of Arab foreign ministers — or their representatives — with India’s foreign minister on January 30 in New Delhi, as part of the second Arab-Indian Cooperation Forum, will help strengthen relations and expand cooperation across a wide range of sectors.
He noted that the talks are expected to significantly advance joint Arab-Indian collaboration, particularly in security, energy, investment, and the creation of new trade markets. He also highlighted the importance of leveraging India’s expertise in information technology, science, artificial intelligence, and environmental protection.
Ambassador Al-Shamali said Kuwait’s delegation to the forum will be headed by the country’s Permanent Representative to the League of Arab States, Ambassador Talal Al-Mutairi, and will include specialists in Arab and Asian affairs from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
He emphasized the depth of Arab-Indian relations, rooted in longstanding historical, cultural, and civilizational ties, stressing the need to further consolidate these bonds to build a prosperous future for both peoples.
Al-Shamali added that significant opportunities exist to broaden cooperation, noting that India and many Arab states face common regional and international challenges. Both sides, he said, seek to establish strong foundations of trust and mutual respect while deepening strategic partnerships on issues of shared interest.
On the sidelines of the forum, to be held on January 30–31, the headquarters of the Indian-Arab Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture will be inaugurated in New Delhi.
The ceremony will be attended by India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Arab ambassadors accredited to India, and senior Arab and Indian officials.
The first ministerial meeting of the Arab-Indian Cooperation Forum was hosted by Bahrain in 2016, marking the launch of a framework aimed at strengthening cooperation between India and member states of the League of Arab States.
