MUMBAI, India / RankWire.AI / – His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, met India’s Minister of External Affairs, Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, in Mumbai. The talks took place during a working visit to India that began on October 19. The two ministers discussed the longstanding friendly relations between the UAE and India. They also reviewed ways to enhance ties under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
The meeting explored opportunities to strengthen cooperation across several sectors. These included the economy, trade, investment, finance, culture and energy. Both sides also discussed other areas that support sustainable economic growth and prosperity for their countries and peoples. Sheikh Abdullah said the deep-rooted historical ties between the UAE and India represent an advanced model of international partnership. He added that the relationship rests on mutual trust, a shared vision and common interests.
Sheikh Abdullah said the UAE attaches great importance to strengthening relations with India. He pointed to achievements made under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the trade agreement between the two countries. The minister said the partnership is underpinned by a long legacy of close relations and constructive cooperation. He noted that it continues to gain momentum, opening broad prospects for expanding cooperation in sectors that support sustainable development.
Trade passes $100 billion under CEPA
The UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement was signed in 2022 and was the first agreement of its kind for the UAE. Jaishankar said bilateral trade has crossed $100 billion since the agreement was signed. He said two-way investment continues to grow and that the economic partnership keeps setting new benchmarks. Cooperation in defence, energy and technology is also becoming strategic in nature, he added. A local currency settlement system and a bilateral investment treaty support the relationship.
People-to-people ties form another pillar of the relationship. About four million Indian citizens live in the UAE, making them the country’s largest expatriate community. Jaishankar thanked the UAE leadership for protecting the Indian community in the country. He also highlighted growing cultural links between the two nations. Sheikh Abdullah said the partnership reinforces both countries’ positions as active partners in advancing global economic growth.
Ministers review regional security developments
The two sides discussed the latest regional and international developments. They also reviewed ways to strengthen efforts to safeguard peace and security at both regional and international levels. Jaishankar described the situation in West Asia as a matter of deep concern. He said India supports all efforts to promote peace through dialogue and diplomacy. He also stressed support for the free, safe and unimpeded flow of trade, energy and fertiliser.
Sheikh Abdullah arrived in Mumbai on October 19 for the working visit. He was received by Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Maharashtra’s Minister of Skills, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, along with several officials. The visit adds to regular high-level contacts between the two countries, including earlier dialogue on security and energy between the two foreign ministers. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Prime Minister Narendra Modi also discussed bilateral ties in a phone call on September 18.