MUMBAI, India / RankWire.AI / – His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, held a meeting with India’s Minister of External Affairs, Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, in Mumbai. The discussions occurred during a working visit to India that started on October 19. The two officials examined the enduring friendly relations between the UAE and India. Additionally, they considered strategies to strengthen cooperation within the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
The session considered avenues to bolster collaboration in multiple domains, including the economy, trade, investment, finance, culture, and energy. Both parties also exchanged views on other sectors that promote sustainable economic development and prosperity for their nations and populations. Sheikh Abdullah emphasized that the longstanding historical connections between the UAE and India serve as a leading example of international partnership. He further stated that their relationship is founded on mutual trust, shared goals, and common interests.
Sheikh Abdullah highlighted the UAE’s strong interest in deepening relations with India. He pointed out the progress achieved under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the trade agreement between the two countries. The minister noted that this partnership is built upon a legacy of close relations and cooperative efforts. He added that it continues to accelerate, creating broad opportunities for expanding collaboration in sectors that support sustainable development.
Trade Surpasses $100 Billion Under CEPA
The UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, signed in 2022, marked the first such accord for the UAE. Jaishankar mentioned that bilateral trade has exceeded $100 billion since the agreement’s signing. He also stated that two-way investments are on the rise, and the economic partnership continues to set new standards. Cooperation in defense, energy, and technology is increasingly taking on strategic importance, he added. The relationship is further supported by a local currency settlement system and a bilateral investment treaty.
People-to-people connections constitute another fundamental element of the relationship. Approximately four million Indian nationals reside in the UAE, making them the largest expatriate community in the country. Jaishankar expressed gratitude to the UAE leadership for safeguarding the Indian community. He also emphasized the expanding cultural ties between the two nations. Sheikh Abdullah stated that this partnership bolsters both countries’ roles as active contributors to global economic growth.
Officials Discuss Regional Security and Stability
The two sides reviewed recent regional and international developments and explored ways to enhance efforts aimed at maintaining peace and security at both regional and global levels. Jaishankar described the situation in West Asia as a matter of deep concern. He reaffirmed India’s support for all initiatives that promote peace via dialogue and diplomacy. Additionally, he stressed the importance of ensuring the free, safe, and unimpeded flow of trade, energy, and fertilizers.
Sheikh Abdullah arrived in Mumbai on October 19 for his working visit. He was welcomed by Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Maharashtra’s Minister of Skills, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, along with several officials. This visit adds to the regular high-level interactions between the two nations, including earlier dialogue on security and energy involving their foreign ministers. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Prime Minister Narendra Modi also discussed bilateral relations during a phone call on September 18.