- Indian delegation led by MEA official Suresh Kumar held high-level talks in Damascus with top Syrian ministers to boost bilateral ties in healthcare, education, and diplomacy.
- Key discussions included partnerships in medicine manufacturing, medical training, and a scholarship program for Syrian students, along with technical skill-building for Syrian engineers.
- Syria expressed strong interest in expanding cooperation with India, aiming to enhance its healthcare infrastructure and access to Indian medical expertise and pharmaceuticals.
As a major step towards the development of bilateral relations, a visiting Indian delegation on Monday held talks with top Syrian officials in Damascus for increasing cooperation between the two countries in many areas like healthcare, education, and diplomacy.
The delegation, headed by Suresh Kumar, who is Director of the West Asia and North Africa Division at India's Ministry of External Affairs, was welcomed by Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Asaad Hassan Al-Shaibani. As per a statement issued through the Syrian Foreign Ministry's official Telegram account, both sides had constructive dialogue on matters of mutual interest and examined new ways to further enhance bilateral relations for the mutual benefit of both countries.
India has historically had friendly diplomatic relations with Syria, and the current exchange is part of a continuing bid by New Delhi to increase its reach and assistance to the Middle Eastern nation, especially during the reconstruction phase in the aftermath of conflict.
Outside of diplomatic talks, the Indian team also had a one-on-one high-level meeting with Syrian Health Minister Musab Al-Ali. Discussions revolved around creating partnerships in the health space particularly in the field of medicine manufacturing and medical staff training.
One of the points of discussion was the mooted launch of a scholarship scheme for Syrian students, in addition to a technical cooperation program specific to equipping Syrian government engineers with more skills.
Also Read: Santoor Scholarship Program: Supporting the Higher Education of Young Women
Minister Al-Ali conveyed Syria's keen interest in strengthening its cooperation with India, emphasizing that the cooperation would greatly improve Syria's healthcare facilities and access to necessary medicines.
Suresh Kumar reiterated India's pledge to help Syria realize its development objectives. He underlined existing and future activities, such as the education of Syrian physicians and medical personnel in Indian institutions, and intensified cooperation on pharmaceutical exports, nursing training, and medical technology.
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.
