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 dialogue occurred during a working visit to India that started on October 19. The two officials examined the longstanding friendly relations between the UAE and India and explored avenues to strengthen ties through the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
Discussions covered opportunities to bolster cooperation in various fields, including the economy, trade, investment, finance, culture, and energy. Both parties also addressed other sectors that promote sustainable economic development and prosperity for their nations and citizens. Sheikh Abdullah emphasized that the deep-rooted historical connections between the UAE and India serve as a model of advanced international collaboration. He further stated that their relationship is built on mutual trust, shared visions, and common interests.
The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the significance the UAE places on strengthening its partnership with India. He pointed out achievements under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the trade agreement between the two countries. Sheikh Abdullah noted that this collaboration is supported by a long history of close relations and constructive cooperation, which continues to gain momentum and create new opportunities for expanding joint efforts in sectors that support sustainable development.
Trade volume exceeds $100 billion following CEPA signing
Signed in 2022, the UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement marked the first of its kind for the UAE. Jaishankar announced that bilateral trade has surpassed $100 billion since the agreement’s implementation. He also mentioned that bilateral investments are increasing and that the economic partnership is setting new standards. Strategic cooperation in defense, energy, and technology is also expanding, he added. The relationship is further supported by a local currency settlement system and a bilateral investment treaty.
Another vital aspect of the relationship is people-to-people connections, with roughly four million Indian nationals residing 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 pointed to strengthening cultural links between the two nations. Sheikh Abdullah stated that this partnership underpins both countries’ roles as active contributors to global economic growth.
Officials examine regional and international security issues
During the discussions, the two sides reviewed recent regional and international developments and explored measures to enhance efforts to preserve 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 aimed at fostering peace through dialogue and diplomacy. Additionally, he emphasized backing for the free, safe, and unimpeded movement of trade, energy, and fertilisers.
Sheikh Abdullah arrived in Mumbai on October 19 for his working visit. He was received by Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Maharashtra’s Minister of Skills, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, along with several officials. This visit complements ongoing high-level exchanges between the two countries, including prior dialogues on security and energy involving the foreign ministers. Additionally, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed bilateral relations during a phone call on September 18.