New Delhi witnessed a significant moment in international diplomacy as Sudan’s Foreign Minister, Mohieldin Salim Ahmed Ibrahim, arrived for the second India-Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. Speaking exclusively to IANS amid Sudan’s ongoing crisis, he lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership and extended congratulations to the people of India.
The minister’s visit coincides with heightened global attention on Sudan’s internal strife, which erupted into civil war in April 2023. Thousands of civilians have lost their lives, and millions have been displaced, forcing families to flee their homes in search of safety. In his interview, Ibrahim outlined collaborative efforts with the United Nations to safeguard ordinary citizens. ‘We have made numerous decisions in this regard,’ he stated, emphasizing direct engagements between UN officials and the affected populace. ‘Our government is doing commendable work because these are our citizens.’
Turning to India, Ibrahim’s praise for PM Modi was heartfelt. ‘Congratulations on having a Prime Minister who cares for his people and constantly brings new opportunities,’ he said. ‘He wins elections every time – kudos to that.’ This endorsement underscores the growing admiration for India’s governance model on the global stage.
The second India-Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (IAFMM), co-hosted by India and the UAE, promises to deepen ties across 22 Arab League nations, including their foreign ministers and the League’s Secretary-General. Preceding it is the fourth India-Arab Senior Officials’ Meeting on Friday. Expectations are high for advancing cooperation in key sectors identified a decade ago: energy, economy, education, media, and culture.
This gathering marks the first such ministerial meet in 10 years, since the inaugural in Bahrain in 2014. Back then, leaders pinpointed five pillars for collaboration and proposed concrete initiatives. The Ministry of External Affairs highlighted the IAFMM as the premier institutional mechanism for this partnership, formalized in March 2002 via an MoU with the Arab League to institutionalize dialogue.
As discussions unfold, the summit represents a pivotal opportunity to strengthen economic, strategic, and cultural bonds, offering a platform for Arab nations to learn from India’s democratic resilience and development trajectory. Sudan’s minister’s remarks signal a broader recognition of PM Modi’s role in elevating India’s global stature.