In a significant development amidst ongoing diplomatic efforts, two senior Arab diplomats have assumed ambassadorial roles at the Jordan and Egyptian embassies in New Delhi. This shift reflects the heightened diplomatic consultations between India and key players in the conflict-affected West Asian region.
The appointments of Jordan’s Ambassador Yousef Mustafa Ali Abdelghani and Egypt’s Ambassador Kamel Galal are crucial, as both nations play pivotal roles amidst the ongoing tensions in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon.
Ambassadors Abdelghani and Galal bring extensive experience vital for strengthening India’s ties with the Arab world. Ambassador Galal, former head of the Palestine desk in Cairo, and Ambassador Abdelghani, previously the head of the economic department in Amman, have significant backgrounds that will aid in the complex diplomatic landscape.
The importance of these appointments is underscored by India’s continuous engagement with regional stakeholders since the initiation of the current conflict. Sources indicate that an important minister from Cairo is expected to visit India soon.
Strengthening Regional Dialogue
Continuing its outreach, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar met with Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud on November 13, 2024. Their discussions included the substantial Indian diaspora in Saudi Arabia, which numbers around 2.65 million. Both ministers also chaired the second ministerial meeting of the Political, Security, Social, and Cultural Committee (PSSC) of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council (SPC). This meeting was followed by a session with UAE’s Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan on November 14, 2024.
These discussions came in the wake of a summit hosted by Saudi Arabia, where the Crown Prince emphasized the urgent need to halt Israeli military actions in Gaza and Lebanon, advocating for the establishment of a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders.
Previously, during the G20 Summit in New Delhi, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince endorsed the launch of the IMEC (India Middle East Europe Economic Corridor), which involves the Israeli port of Haifa. The future of this initiative is now uncertain, with the ongoing conflict in Gaza and Lebanon casting doubt on its viability.
Former diplomat Dr. Zikrur Rahman highlighted that Saudi Arabia’s engagement with Israel remains unlikely without a resolution to the Palestinian issue. “Saudi Arabia’s principled stance on a two-state solution, championed by King Abdullah, must be implemented before any diplomatic relations with Israel can be considered,” he stated.
As diplomatic efforts intensify, India’s role in navigating these complex relationships continues to be of paramount importance in the region’s geopolitical landscape.
– November 18, 2024 05:15 am IST
