The Secretary General of the Arab League, Nabil Elaraby, will visit India from December 16-18. During this three-day visit, he will meet and hold discussions with Indian External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid and Indian Vice President Hamid Ansari.
The focus of the talks will be on exploring ways to enhance cooperation between India and the Arab world. Also expected on the agenda is the signing of an updated Memorandum of Cooperation of the Arab-India Cooperation Forum – that India first signed with the 22-member Arab League in 2008.
India has traditionally enjoyed historical and friendly relations with Arab countries. New Delhi has significant investments in Arab countries stretching from Oman to Egypt, Sudan and beyond. Much of our external trade passes along the Suez Canal, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. India’s staunch commitment to the Palestinian cause, common views on major international developments and strong economic and commercial relations form the foundations of India-Arab relations today. At present, India’s total trade with the Arab world stands at $110 billion; the region is home to over 4.5 million Indians; and is the source of approximately 70% of our energy imports.