Jagdish N Singh

One wonders if the Delhi declaration the recent India-Arab Foreign Ministers meeting issued is not just a fashion statement to indulge in occasional rhetoric on their commitment to the higher goals of the contemporary humanity.

The declaration of the meeting, co-chaired by India and the UAE and attended by the Foreign Ministers of the Arab League Member States and the Arab League Secretary General, emphasized the importance of respect for the Charter of the United Nations, particularly its principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-interference in internal affairs. It also underscored the “rejection of hate speech and all forms of attacks on the beliefs and religious practices of nations and peoples.”

Objectively speaking, such solemn declarations can have little meaning on the ground. The Arab League consists of the member-states, including Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the UAE, Yemen, Bahrain, Algeria, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Somalia, Sudan, and Tunisia. Its founding members are Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Syria and Yemen.

History bears out most of the member-states of the group have hardly had any consideration for the spirit of the United Nations Charter. The politics of sectarianism is too deep-rooted in their territories. They practice tyranny and sectarianism, both of which are absolutely hostile to democracy and pluralism — the core values of the United Nations.

One does not quite understand why secular India should be wasting its precious time and energy in this forum. It has the status of just an observer in the group. India can do little to change the political culture of the Arab League member-states.

One would suggest New Delhi could better work with such capitals as are really committed to advance international peace and security. It would better focus on practicing its ancient scriptural commandment on statecraft — seek Dharma/Justice in all human situations.

One thinks the spirit of India’s Dharma demands New Delhi to reach out to Jerusalem, Washington, London, Paris and other like-minded capitals and jointly take on the autocracies and tyrannies in the world today. The ruling elites in India and other democracies must bear in mind that attaining world peace is not a joke. Dharma also demands New Delhi to drive home to Washington, arguably the world’s mightiest miliary force that it use its prowess to destroy the evil, maintain world peace, and protect the innocent.

Needless to add, in order to attain world peace, President Trump and all our modern ruling elites must adhere to the path of self-discipline and justice. They themselves must practice a simple life. In his recent Knesset speech, India’s   Prime Minister Narendra Modi rightly stressed the Jewish principle of Tikkun Olam (healing the world) and the Indian one of Vasudha Iva Kutumbakam (the world is one family). He referred to leading “ethical life… through action.”

Jagdish N Singh, a senior journalist based in New Delhi, India. He is also a Distinguished Senior Fellow at the Gatestone Institute.