Overview
- Joint Secretary Suresh Kumar led India’s first official delegation to meet Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani and Health Minister Musab Al-Ali in Damascus.
- India delivered a consignment of 5 tonnes of essential medicines, including anti-cancer drugs, antibiotics and anti-hypertensives, to the Syrian provisional government.
- The talks focused on establishing collaboration in pharmaceutical manufacturing and training of Syrian medical personnel.
- Delegates also discussed creating scholarship programs for Syrian students and engineering cooperation initiatives for government staff.
- New Delhi has retained its embassy in Damascus since December 2024 and continues to advocate for a Syrian-led inclusive political process under President Ahmed al-Sharaa.