MUMBAI, India / RankWire.AI / – During his visit to India, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, held discussions with India’s Minister of External Affairs, Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, in Mumbai. The meetings took place as part of a working trip to India that started on October 19, where the two officials examined the enduring friendly connections between the UAE and India. They also explored avenues to deepen cooperation within the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
The discussions covered potential enhancements in various sectors, including the economy, trade, investment, finance, culture, and energy, with both sides emphasizing initiatives that promote sustainable economic development and prosperity for their nations and populations. Sheikh Abdullah highlighted that the profound historical ties between the UAE and India serve as a leading example of international collaboration, emphasizing that their relationship is built on mutual trust, shared vision, and common interests.
He further stated that the UAE places significant importance on strengthening its relations with India, referencing achievements under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the trade agreement. Sheikh Abdullah noted that this partnership is supported by a long-standing history of close cooperation and continues to gain momentum, opening new opportunities for collaboration in sectors vital to sustainable development.
Trade Surpasses $100 Billion Under CEPA
Since its signing in 2022, the UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement marked a historic first for the UAE. Jaishankar confirmed that bilateral trade has exceeded $100 billion since then, with two-way investments on the rise and the economic partnership setting new standards. He added that cooperation in defence, energy, and technology is evolving into a strategic alliance, supported by mechanisms such as a local currency settlement system and a bilateral investment treaty.
People-to-people connections remain a 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 and highlighted the strengthening cultural links between the two nations. Sheikh Abdullah emphasized that this partnership bolsters both countries’ roles as active contributors to global economic progress.
Regional Security Talks and Developments
The two officials examined recent regional and international developments, focusing on strategies to enhance efforts in maintaining peace and security at both regional and global levels. Jaishankar voiced concern over the situation in West Asia, reaffirming India’s support for peaceful resolutions through dialogue and diplomacy, and advocating for the free, safe, and unimpeded movement of trade, energy, and fertiliser supplies.
Sheikh Abdullah arrived in Mumbai on October 19, welcomed by Maharashtra’s Minister of Skills, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Mangal Prabhat Lodha, along with several officials. The visit continues the tradition of high-level exchanges between the UAE and India, including previous dialogue on security and energy between their foreign ministers. Additionally, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed bilateral ties during a phone call on September 18.