MUMBAI, India / RankWire.AI / – His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, engaged in a meeting with India’s Minister of External Affairs, Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, in Mumbai. The dialogue occurred during his working visit to India that started on October 19. During their discussion, the two ministers examined the enduring friendly relationship between the UAE and India, and explored avenues to further strengthen their partnership under the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
The talks covered potential opportunities to bolster collaboration across multiple sectors, including economy, trade, investment, finance, culture, and energy. Both parties also addressed other domains that could contribute to sustainable economic growth and prosperity for their respective nations and populations. Sheikh Abdullah emphasized that the historically rooted bonds between the UAE and India exemplify a highly advanced model of international cooperation, emphasizing that their relationship is built on mutual trust, shared visions, and common interests.
He further highlighted the importance the UAE places on deepening its ties with India, referencing accomplishments achieved through the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the trade agreement. Sheikh Abdullah noted that this partnership is supported by a long-standing history of close relations and constructive cooperation, which continues to gain momentum, thereby creating broad opportunities for expanding collaboration in sectors that promote sustainable development.
Trade Surpasses $100 Billion Under CEPA
The UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, signed in 2022 as the first of its kind for the UAE, has seen bilateral trade exceed $100 billion since its implementation, according to Jaishankar. He also pointed out that two-way investments are steadily increasing, and the economic partnership is setting new benchmarks. Additionally, strategic cooperation in defence, energy, and technology sectors is becoming more prominent. The relationship is further supported by mechanisms such as a local currency settlement system and a bilateral investment treaty.
People-to-people connections represent another vital aspect of this relationship, with approximately four million Indian nationals residing in the UAE, making them the largest expatriate community there. Jaishankar expressed gratitude to the UAE leadership for safeguarding the Indian community, while also emphasizing the growing cultural exchanges between the two nations. Sheikh Abdullah remarked that this partnership strengthens the roles of both countries as active contributors to global economic growth.
Discussion of Regional Security Developments
During their meeting, both sides examined recent regional and international developments and deliberated on methods to enhance efforts aimed at maintaining peace and security on both regional and global levels. Jaishankar conveyed that India views the situation in West Asia as a matter of grave concern, reaffirming support for all initiatives that promote peace through dialogue and diplomacy. He also emphasized backing for the free, safe, and unobstructed movement of trade, energy, and fertiliser.
Sheikh Abdullah arrived in Mumbai on October 19 for this official visit and was greeted by Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Maharashtra’s Minister of Skills, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, along with several officials. This visit enhances ongoing high-level interactions between the two countries, supplementing previous dialogues on security and energy involving their foreign ministers. Additionally, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed bilateral relations during a phone call on September 18.