The continuing process towards political pluralism and democracy, along with Government's efforts to contain violence and terrorism in Algeria were noted with interest and encouragement. India's diplomatic representation to Algeria was upgraded again, with the appointment of an Ambassador in Algiers. The meeting of the bilateral joint Commission was held in New Delhi in March 1997.

Bilateral ties of friendship, mutual understanding and cooperation with Egypt were further strengthened by building upon the momentum imparted by the Prime Ministerial visit to Egypt in October 1995. The meetings between the Prime Minister and President Hosni Mubarak at the G-15 Summit in Harare, and between the Minister of External Affairs and Egypt's Foreign Minister at the UNGA in New York, sustained the ongoing high level dialogue. The Grand Sheikh of Al Azhar (Cairo) visited India in October 1996. The visit served to add a new dimension of mutual understanding at intellectual, academic and cultural levels. The visit of Minister of State for Planning and Science and Technology to Cairo for the Middle East and North Africa Economic Conference in November 1996 afforded opportunities to explore additional measures of cooperation in economic and technological fields.

Bilateral relations with Israel continued to develop satisfactorily, particularly in areas of trade, economic and technological cooperation. The high point was the visit of President Ezer Weizman from 29 December 1996-5 January 1997. President Weizman laid the foundation stone of an agricultural demonstration farm in New Delhi being set up with Israeli collaboration for exchange of technologies and training of personnel. The Chief Minister of Maharashtra participated in the Global Marathi Conference organized in Israel in October 1996 by Israelis of Indian origin having migrated from Marathi speaking areas. The Joint Business Council was upgraded to India-Israel Business Alliance.

Traditional friendly relations with Jordan were bolstered with regular contacts at various levels. Minister of Supply of Jordan led a delegation to India in October 1996 to explore purchase of bulk commodities from India and other measures to promote bilateral trade. The visits by a Jordanian defense delegation and from the University of Jordan were reflective of the multi-dimensional nature of bilateral cooperation and mutual understanding.

Progress was made in strengthening bilateral relations with Syria. Vice Minister in the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs visited India in March 1997 as part of the continuing bilateral consultations. India organized a successful trade exhibition in Aleppo. The Minister of Civil Aviation and Information and Broadcasting led a delegation to Syria.

The bilateral relations with Lebanon were further strengthened. Secretary General in the Lebanese Foreign Office visited India in February 1997 as part of the continuing bilateral consultations. During the Israeli military offenses against Lebanon in April 1996, India extended political support, calling for an immediate cease-fire and the implementation of Security Council resolution 425. India despatched humanitarian assistance for the displaced Lebanese. India-Lebanon Business Forum was launched in New Delhi in November 1996 and India appointed an honorary Consul General in Tripoli, a major commercial city of Lebanon.

India's relations with Libya were characterized by efforts to strengthen economic cooperation. A consignment of essential drugs and medicines was dispatched to Sudan in November 1996 for the flood victims. Delegations were exchanged with Tunisia in several fields, including trade, agriculture, science and technology, and environment. Foreign Minister of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic paid a visit to India in September 1996 and held talks on matters of mutual interest.

The organization of an exclusive "Indian Trade Expo" in Casablanca, Morocco, in April 1996, was a major initiative to promote bilateral commercial exchanges. Deputy Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha visited Morocco on this occasion. The visit of Morocco's External Commerce Minister to India in December 1996 ensured that the momentum of growing bilateral trade would be maintained.

India's traditional friendly relations with Palestine were given a major boost with the opening of India's Representative Office to the Palestine National Authority, in Gaza, on 24 June 1996. India maintained its support for Palestinian national aspirations, as well as to the MEPP. India shared the wide-felt concern at the developments affecting the peace process, and urged all parties concerned to reintensify their efforts so as to ensure successful conclusion of the peace process within agreed time scheduled, building on the interim agreements and understandings which should be fully implemented. India continued its moral, material and technical assistance to Palestinians through the Representative Office in Gaza. On the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, the Prime Minister addressed a message reiterating India's commitment and support for the Palestinian people and their legitimate aspirations, and a special function was held in New Delhi to commemorate the Day.

India maintained traditional cordial relations and cooperation with the regional organizations, namely, League of Arab States (LAS), Union of Arab Maghreb (UAM) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Consultations were held with them as required on matters of common interest. The 24th session of Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers held in Jakarta from 11-13 December 1996 passed a resolution at the behest of Pakistan on Kashmir, identical to the one passed at the 23rd session in Conakry in December 1995. However, the inaugural address by the President of the host country contained no references to Kashmir. OIC condemned the kidnapping of the western hostages in Kashmir by Al-Faran and asked for their release.