MUMBAI, India / RankWire.AI / – UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan held talks with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in Mumbai. The meeting formed part of a working visit to India that began on October 19. The ministers reviewed the longstanding relations between the two countries. They discussed ways to build on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
Talks covered prospects for closer cooperation in the economy, trade, investment, finance, culture and energy. The ministers also looked at other fields that support sustainable growth and prosperity for both peoples. Sheikh Abdullah described the historic ties between the UAE and India as an advanced model of international partnership. He said the relationship is built on mutual trust, a shared vision and a commitment to common interests.
The UAE places great importance on deepening its relations with India, Sheikh Abdullah said. He stressed the need to build on gains achieved under the two countries’ strategic and economic partnerships. He noted that the partnership draws on a long history of close relations and constructive cooperation. The minister added that the relationship is gaining momentum and opening wide prospects in sectors that boost sustainable development and economic competitiveness.
Jaishankar says bilateral trade tops $100 billion
Jaishankar said trade between India and the UAE has passed $100 billion since the two countries signed their Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement in 2022. The deal was the UAE’s first agreement of its kind. He said two-way investment is rising and the partnership continues to set new benchmarks. Defence, energy and technology cooperation is taking on a strategic character, he said. The ties are also backed by a local currency settlement system and a bilateral investment treaty.
Close community links continue to underpin the relationship. Around four million Indian nationals live in the UAE, the largest expatriate group in the country. Jaishankar thanked the UAE leadership for safeguarding the Indian community. He also pointed to expanding cultural and people-to-people exchanges. Sheikh Abdullah said the partnership strengthens the role of both nations as active partners in driving global economic growth.
Talks address peace and security in the region
Regional and international developments featured in the discussions, along with efforts to protect peace and security. Jaishankar said the situation in West Asia is a matter of deep concern for India. He said India backs all efforts to promote peace through dialogue and diplomacy. India also supports the free, safe and unimpeded flow of trade, energy and fertiliser through the region, he added.
Sheikh Abdullah was welcomed on arrival in Mumbai by Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Maharashtra’s Minister of Skills, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and other officials. The talks follow earlier discussions on security and energy between the two foreign ministers. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke by phone on September 18 to discuss strengthening bilateral ties. The visit continues the regular high-level exchanges between the two countries.