Foreign Minister of the State of Palestine among key attendees, calls for Indian contribution to Gaza reconstruction; India expected to discuss Board of Peace invite with both Israel and Arab nations
Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s expected visit to Israel later this month, India is striking a balancing act, reaching out to the Arab world and hosting the second India-Arab Foreign Ministers meeting on Friday (January 30, 2026). Palestine’s Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin will attend the meeting, a day after she called on India to contribute to the massive reconstruction work required in the war-ravaged Gaza Strip.
The Hindu had first reported that the Prime Minister was planning a trip to Israel, along with a much-delayed visit by Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu to India. Sources said that Mr. Modi is expected to travel to Tel Aviv and Jerusalem at the end of next month.
“The invitation was extended,” Israeli Ambassador Reuven Azar told news agency ANI in Delhi, in response to reports about the impending visit. “We are in preparations, and in due time, there will be declarations regarding specific dates,” he added.
Peace board and war clouds
New Delhi has not so far responded to U.S. President Donald Trump’s invitation to join the Board of Peace for Gaza, but is expected to discuss it with the leadership of Arab countries and Israel. So far, the leaders of more than 20 countries, including Israel and Pakistan, have accepted the invitation.
In addition, amidst war clouds gathering over a possible U.S.-Israel strike on Iran, Deputy National Security Advisor Pavan Kapoor travelled to Tehran on Wednesday (January 28, 2026), where he met his counterparts on the Iranian National Security Council and called on Iran’s NSA Ali Larijani.
The possible outreach to Israel against the backdrop of developments involving the Gaza Strip and the restive conditions in Iran acquired particular significance as Arab leaders began to arrive in Delhi. On Thursday (January 29, 2026), key arrivals included Mohamed Samir, Egypt’s Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs; Ambassador Amjad Adaileh, Permanent Representative of Jordan to the League of Arab States; Sultan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi, Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs; and Ms. Shahin of Palestine.
Reconstruction effort
At a press conference at the Embassy of Palestine on Thursday (January 29, 2026), Ms. Shahin presented a picture of utter devastation in the Gaza Strip after more than 26 months of conflict between Israel and Palestine. “Everyone is a refugee in Gaza. People are living in tents and partially destroyed buildings that may collapse any moment. Gaza right now has enormous requirements and we look forward to India’s participation in the reconstruction efforts,” Ms. Shahin said, adding that the Board of Peace should stay true to the UN Security Council Resolution 2803 of November 17, 2025.
