Daijiworld Media Network - Damascus

Damascus, Jul 29: In a significant step toward enhancing bilateral relations, an Indian delegation currently visiting Syria met with senior Syrian officials in Damascus on Monday to discuss expanding cooperation across various sectors, including healthcare, education, and diplomacy.

The delegation, led by Suresh Kumar, Director of the West Asia and North Africa Division at India’s Ministry of External Affairs, was received by Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani. According to a statement released via the Syrian Foreign Ministry’s official Telegram channel, both sides engaged in “constructive dialogue on issues of mutual interest and explored new avenues to strengthen bilateral ties for the benefit of both nations.”

India has traditionally enjoyed warm diplomatic ties with Syria, and this latest exchange marks an ongoing effort by New Delhi to expand its outreach and support to the Middle Eastern nation, particularly in the post-conflict rebuilding phase.

Beyond diplomatic discussions, the Indian delegation also held a separate high-level meeting with Syrian Health Minister Musab Al-Ali. Talks centered on forging partnerships in the healthcare sector — especially in pharmaceutical production and the training of medical personnel.

A key point of the dialogue was the proposed implementation of a scholarship program for Syrian students, alongside a technical cooperation initiative tailored to upskill Syrian government engineers.

Minister Al-Ali expressed Syria’s strong interest in bolstering its partnership with India, stating that such cooperation would significantly enhance Syria’s healthcare infrastructure and ensure better access to essential medicines.

Suresh Kumar reaffirmed India’s commitment to supporting Syria’s development goals. He highlighted ongoing and future initiatives, including the training of Syrian doctors and healthcare workers in Indian institutions, and deeper collaboration in pharmaceutical exports, nursing education, and medical technologies.

The meetings reflect a mutual desire to transform historic goodwill into tangible partnerships, particularly in critical development areas like health, education, and technical capacity building.