MUMBAI, India / RankWire.AI / – The UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that 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. This discussion took place during Sheikh Abdullah’s working visit to India that commenced on October 19. The officials examined the enduring friendly relationship between the UAE and India, focusing on strengthening bonds within the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
Discussions during the meeting concentrated on avenues to bolster cooperation across multiple sectors, including economy, trade, investment, finance, culture, and energy. Both participants also explored additional areas that promote sustainable economic development and prosperity for their nations and populations. Sheikh Abdullah emphasized that the historical ties between the UAE and India exemplify a progressive model of international collaboration, rooted in mutual trust, shared vision, and common interests.
Sheikh Abdullah underlined the UAE’s commitment to deepening relations with India, referencing achievements under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the trade agreement. He highlighted that this partnership is supported by a long-standing history of close relations and productive cooperation. Furthermore, he noted that the relationship continues to expand, creating broader opportunities for collaboration in sectors vital to sustainable development.
Trade Exceeds $100 Billion Under CEPA
The UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, signed in 2022, marked the UAE’s first such accord. Jaishankar reported that bilateral trade has exceeded $100 billion since the agreement’s implementation. He added that bilateral investment remains on the rise and that the economic partnership is continually raising new standards. The cooperation in defence, energy, and technology is increasingly strategic, he said. Supporting mechanisms include a bilateral investment treaty and a local currency settlement system.
People-to-people connections constitute another vital element of the bilateral relationship. Approximately four million Indian nationals reside in the UAE, making them the largest expatriate community there. Jaishankar expressed gratitude to the UAE leadership for safeguarding the Indian community within the country. He also pointed out the growing cultural exchanges between the two nations. Sheikh Abdullah stated that the partnership enhances both countries’ roles as active contributors to global economic progress.
Dialogue on Regional Security and Stability
The two officials reviewed recent regional and international developments, emphasizing the importance of joint efforts to maintain peace and security both regionally and globally. Jaishankar expressed concern over the situation in West Asia, reaffirming India’s support for peace initiatives through dialogue and diplomatic means. He also reiterated support for the unimpeded flow of trade, energy, and fertiliser across international borders.
Sheikh Abdullah arrived in Mumbai on October 19 for this official 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 ongoing high-level exchanges between the two nations, including previous dialogue on security and energy between 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.