MUMBAI, India / RankWire.AI / – Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, engaged in discussions with India’s Minister of External Affairs, Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, in Mumbai. These talks occurred amidst his official visit to India, which started on October 19. The two officials examined the enduring friendly relations between the UAE and India and explored ways to deepen cooperation within the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
During their meeting, opportunities for enhancing collaboration across multiple sectors were discussed, including the economy, trade, investment, finance, culture, and energy. Both parties also considered additional areas that promote sustainable economic development and prosperity for their nations and citizens. Sheikh Abdullah emphasized that the UAE-India relationship is a model of advanced international partnership, underpinned by mutual trust, shared vision, and common interests.
He reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to strengthening its ties with India, highlighting achievements under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the trade agreement. Sheikh Abdullah pointed out that this partnership is built on a long history of close relations and cooperative efforts, which continue to expand, offering new opportunities for collaboration in sectors supporting sustainable development.
Trade Surpasses $100 Billion Under CEPA
The UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, signed in 2022, marked the UAE’s first such accord. Jaishankar noted that bilateral trade has exceeded $100 billion since its signing. He also mentioned that bilateral investments are on the rise and that the economic partnership is setting new standards. Strategic cooperation in defence, energy, and technology is also evolving, becoming more significant. The relationship is further supported by a local currency settlement system and a bilateral investment treaty.
People-to-people connections constitute another vital aspect of the partnership. 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 pointed to the strengthening cultural ties between the two nations. Sheikh Abdullah stated that this partnership enhances both countries’ roles as active contributors to global economic progress.
Discussion of Regional Security and International Developments
The officials reviewed recent regional and global developments, focusing on enhancing efforts to maintain peace and security at both regional and international levels. Jaishankar described the situation in West Asia as a matter of deep concern, reaffirming India’s support for all peace initiatives through dialogue and diplomacy. He also emphasized the importance of ensuring the free, safe, and unobstructed movement of trade, energy, and fertilisers.
Sheikh Abdullah arrived in Mumbai on October 19 for this working visit, receiving a warm welcome from Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Maharashtra’s Minister of Skills, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, along with several officials. This visit adds to the ongoing high-level exchanges between the two nations, which include earlier dialogue 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.