UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed ways to deepen cooperation between the two countries in areas such as technology, energy, and people-to-people exchanges.
The two leaders met in New Delhi on December 12.
PM Modi emphasised the importance of the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEEC), describing it as a historic initiative aimed at fostering regional connectivity and prosperity.
Long-term peace
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed also shared insights on the current situation in West Asia. Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to supporting long-term peace, stability, and security in the region. PM Modi conveyed his warm regards to the President of the UAE, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and expressed satisfaction with the frequent high-level visits between the two nations, noting particularly the visit of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, to India in September 2024.
The visit, according to the Prime Minister, marked a generational continuity in the relationship between the two countries.
The Prime Minister also expressed his gratitude to the UAE leadership for ensuring the welfare of the large and vibrant Indian community residing in the Emirates.
Strategic partnership
Earlier, India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan for the 4th India-UAE Strategic Dialogue. The discussions focused on enhancing the multifaceted partnership between the two nations.
According to a statement by India’s Ministry of External Affairs, “the two sides held discussions to expand our strategic partnership in several areas, including defence, emerging technologies, nuclear energy, polar research, critical minerals and renewable energy, among others”. The two sides also discussed regional and international issues of mutual interest. The last edition of the Strategic Dialogue was held in Abu Dhabi in September 2022.
On December 13, the 15th India-UAE Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) was held which was cochaired by Jaishankar and Sheikh Abdullah. Both the ministers acknowledged the tremendous growth in bilateral relations since the elevation of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2017. They noted with satisfaction regular high-level visits exchanged between the two countries since the last JCM in 2022, in Abu Dhabi.
