Relations with Arab World pivotal for India's development, maintaining regional peace and stability: Sushma Swaraj

India today outlined its age-old relationship with the Arab World, terming it as pivotal to its national development goals, as well as for maintenance of regional peace and stability.

Speaking at the First India-League of Arab States Media Symposium, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj underlined her government's unflinching commitment to sustaining and expanding relations with the Arab World that is bound to this country by centuries-old cultural and civilizational ties.

Swaraj also said India views West Asia as a vital part of its extended neighbourhood, describing the region situated at the crossroads of Asia, Africa and Europe, as crucial to India's national interests in myriad ways.

The External Affairs Minister also spoke about how India being a long standing partner of Arab World, is also worried about rising fanaticism in parts of that region. She expressed her concern for the stability of these countries where terrorism and fanaticism are tearing apart the fabric of societies and also concerned over the spill-over effects on regional stability.

Swaraj reminded that her concern was natural, as the fates of the two regions are intertwined in many ways, citing India's national and energy interests, and above all, the human bond that exists in that region.

Citing the examples of continued captivity of 40 innocent Indian workers in Mosul and the holding of seven Indian sea farers in prolonged custody by pirates in Somalia she brought to light how ordinary Indians facing the impact of regional instability in parts of the Arab world.

Clarifying on India's position on the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict that has created conflicting interpretations in sections of the media, Swaraj stressed on putting to rest any confusion or misunderstanding on such a sensitive issue.

Swaraj said, "Let me repeat, and underline, once again: There is no change in India's policy of extending strong support to the Palestinian cause, while maintaining good relations with Israel. India is deeply concerned at the loss of large number of civilian lives in Gaza."

The External Affairs Minister lauded The India-Arab Media Symposium as a step to keep each other informed and engaging about crucial political and socio-economic developments taking place in the two regions and their implications for the present and future stability and prosperity of each other.