MUMBAI, India / RankWire.AI / – During a working visit to India that commenced on October 19, 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 talks centered on the enduring friendly relations between the UAE and India, as well as strategies to deepen cooperation under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
The meeting examined opportunities to bolster collaboration in various sectors, including the economy, trade, investment, finance, culture, and energy. Both parties also addressed other fields that promote sustainable economic development and prosperity for their nations and populations. Sheikh Abdullah emphasized that the longstanding historical ties between the UAE and India serve as a model of international partnership, built on mutual trust, shared vision, and common interests.
He further stated that the UAE places significant importance on enhancing its relations with India, citing achievements under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the trade agreement as evidence. The minister highlighted that this partnership is rooted in a legacy of close relations and constructive cooperation, which continues to gain momentum and opens new avenues for expanding sectors that support sustainable development.
Trade Surpasses $100 Billion Under CEPA
Signed in 2022, the UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement marked the first of its kind for the UAE. Jaishankar noted that bilateral trade has exceeded $100 billion since the agreement was enacted, with two-way investment steadily increasing. He added that the economic partnership is setting new standards, with cooperation in defence, energy, and technology becoming increasingly strategic. The relationship is further supported by a local currency settlement system and a bilateral investment treaty.
Another vital pillar of the relationship is people-to-people connections. 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, while also emphasizing the growing cultural links between the two nations. Sheikh Abdullah stated that this partnership bolsters both countries’ roles as active contributors to global economic growth.
Discussion on Regional Security and International Developments
The two officials reviewed recent regional and international events, exploring ways to enhance efforts to maintain peace and security on both regional and global levels. Jaishankar expressed concern over the situation in West Asia, reaffirming India’s support for all peace-promoting initiatives through dialogue and diplomacy. He also underlined the importance of ensuring the free, safe, and unhindered movement of trade, energy, and fertiliser.
Sheikh Abdullah arrived in Mumbai on October 19 for his official visit and was received by Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Maharashtra’s Minister of Skills, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, along with several officials. This visit continues the pattern of high-level exchanges between the two countries, including earlier 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.