"Visit will further strengthen cordial relations", says MEA on Comoros' FM arrival for 2nd India-Arab FMM
New Delhi, January 29
Comoros' Foreign Minister Mbae Mohamed arrived in New Delhi on Thurday to participate in the 2nd India-Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting to be conducted on Saturday. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that the Foreign Minister's visit to the capital will further strengthen cordial relations between India and the Union of the Comoros.
Through his official X post, he said, "Warm welcome to Foreign Minister @Mmbae75 of Comoros on his arrival in New Delhi to attend the 2nd India-Arab Foreign Ministers' meet. His visit will further strengthen the cordial relations between India and the Union of the Comoros."
According to the MEA brief, India established diplomatic relations with Comoros in June 1976, and the Embassy of India in Antananarivo is concurrently accredited to Comoros. India and Comoros enjoy close and friendly relations. Both countries share similar views on several regional and multilateral issues. Comoros has been a member of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) since 2012, and of the International Solar Alliance since 2017.
In Comoros, the Indian Diaspora comprises approximately 250 individuals, most of whom are engaged in trade, business, and other professions. Their role in Comoros's economic development is well recognised.
On Saturday, India will host the 2nd India-Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting (IAFMM). The meeting will be co-chaired by India and the UAE. Foreign Ministers of other Arab League Member States and the Arab League Secretary General will participate in the 2nd India-Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting, according to a press release from the Ministry of External Affairs.
According to the release, the Foreign Ministers' meeting is taking place after a 10-year hiatus. The first meeting was held in 2016 in Bahrain. At the first FMM, the Ministers identified five priority verticals of cooperation: economy, energy, education, media and culture and proposed a set of activities across these verticals.
The 2nd India-Arab FMM is expected to build on the existing cooperation, expanding and deepening the partnership.
The India Arab Foreign Ministers' Meeting is the highest institutional mechanism driving this partnership, which was formalised in March 2002 when India and the League of Arab States (LAS) signed an MoU institutionalising the process of dialogue.
A Memorandum of Cooperation was signed to establish the Arab-India Cooperation Forum during the visit of the then Arab League Secretary General Amre Moussa to India in December 2008, and was subsequently revised in 2013 to reflect a revised structural organisation. India is an Observer to the League of Arab States, a pan Arab body with 22 member States.
As per the release, this is the first India-Arab FMM to be hosted by India in New Delhi and will see participation by all 22 Arab countries by Foreign Ministers, other Ministers, Ministers of State and other Senior Officials and the Arab League. The IAFMM will be preceded by the 4th India-Arab Senior Officials' Meeting on Friday.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good to see India engaging with smaller nations. Comoros might be small, but every relationship matters. Our diaspora of 250 people there shows even small communities can build strong bridges. Hope this leads to more student exchanges and tourism.
While I appreciate the diplomatic outreach, I hope these meetings translate into concrete benefits for the common man. Sometimes these high-level talks feel disconnected from ground realities. Let's see tangible outcomes in trade, energy security, and job creation.
The 10-year gap between meetings is surprising. With so much changing in the world, regular dialogue is essential. Glad to see it's happening now with all 22 Arab countries. The focus on solar energy through the ISA partnership with Comoros is particularly promising.
Jai Hind! This is how we expand our global footprint. Building partnerships based on mutual respect and shared goals like the International Solar Alliance. Our foreign policy is looking more confident and proactive. Proud moment.
The cultural and media cooperation vertical mentioned from the first meeting is key. Soft power is India's strength. We should be exporting more of our films, music, and yoga to these regions. That's how you win hearts and minds.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.