Diplomats from member states of the Arab League are participating in the inaugural training program at India’s Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service (SSIFS) in New Delhi, marking a new phase in Arab-India diplomatic cooperation. The initiative is part of the Arab-India Cooperation Forum, a platform designed to enhance ties between India and the 22 Arab League countries.
Established in December 2008, the forum operates mainly through the India-Arab Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. The first such meeting took place in Manama in January 2016, followed by the second in New Delhi earlier this year in January 2026. At that gathering, foreign ministers agreed to institutionalize collaboration between their diplomatic training institutions, leading to the launch of this annual capacity-building program hosted by SSIFS.
The current training session, which began on October 21 and will run through October 30, includes 29 mid-career diplomats representing almost all Arab League countries. Among the participants are representatives from Gulf states such as Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, as well as Egypt, Algeria, Palestine, Syria, Iraq, Libya, and Comoros.
The program aims to deepen participants’ understanding of India through immersive experiences beyond the classroom. "Our idea is basically to create an opportunity for these mid-career diplomats to understand India, have a physical presence in India and get a feel of India beyond just the classroom," said Ambassador Raj Kumar Srivastava, dean of SSIFS. He noted that what diplomats learn and experience during their time in India will enhance their policymaking and appreciation of the historic ties between India and Arab countries.
The curriculum covers a range of topics including negotiation techniques, security frameworks, energy cooperation, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital public infrastructure, and cultural diplomacy. The training also emphasizes “diplomacy for development,” focusing on five key areas: trade, technology, tourism, talent, and traditions.
Alongside classroom sessions, the diplomats are visiting various heritage sites. Recent excursions have included the Taj Mahal in Agra and Gandhi Smriti, a memorial in New Delhi where Mahatma Gandhi spent his final days. They have also met with Indian officials, including a reception by India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar.
Ambassador Srivastava highlighted the importance of such interactions, saying they help convey India’s civilizational heritage and longstanding connections with the Arab world in a way that goes beyond formal education. The program also aims to build a durable network among participants, who will become part of an alumni community for future collaboration and reference.
This inaugural training session represents a significant step in fostering closer ties between India and Arab League countries by enhancing diplomatic skills and mutual understanding among their foreign service officers.