Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Abu Dhabi on a day-long visit, expressing his anticipation for talks with President of the UAE, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to enhance the multifaceted bilateral relations between India and the UAE. The visit marked Prime Minister Modi’s fifth visit to the UAE, and he was warmly welcomed by Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the airport.
Upon his arrival, Prime Minister Modi received a ceremonial welcome and Guard of Honour. The visit holds great significance as it aimed to deepen the cooperation between the two nations across various domains. Prime Minister Modi took to Twitter and shared his enthusiasm, stating, “Landed in Abu Dhabi. I look forward to the deliberations with HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, which will further deepen India-UAE cooperation.”
The relationship between India and the UAE has been growing steadily over the years, marked by close economic and strategic ties. Both nations have been actively engaged in promoting trade and investment, and the UAE has become one of India’s largest trading partners. The UAE is also home to a large Indian diaspora, which contributes significantly to the growth and development of both countries.
During the talks between Prime Minister Modi and President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, several key areas of cooperation were discussed. These areas included trade and investment, energy, defense, security, healthcare, space exploration, and counter-terrorism efforts. The leaders reiterated their commitment to further strengthening these ties for mutual benefit and regional stability.
In the economic sphere, the UAE has emerged as a crucial partner for India. The countries have witnessed substantial growth in bilateral trade, reaching billions of dollars annually. They have also fostered collaborations in sectors such as infrastructure development, renewable energy, information technology, and tourism. Prime Minister Modi’s visit aimed to enhance these economic ties and explore new avenues for investment and collaboration.
Furthermore, the leaders discussed energy cooperation, considering the UAE’s role as a reliable supplier of oil and gas to India. Both nations are keen on diversifying their energy mix and exploring renewable energy sources. Joint efforts in the field of energy security and sustainability were emphasized during the discussions.
Defense and security cooperation were also key topics of conversation. India and the UAE have been conducting regular military exercises, sharing intelligence, and collaborating in counter-terrorism operations. The leaders acknowledged the importance of maintaining regional peace and stability and expressed their commitment to working together in combating terrorism and extremism.
Healthcare collaboration gained prominence amid the ongoing global pandemic. The leaders discussed ways to enhance cooperation in the healthcare sector, including joint research and development, sharing best practices, and facilitating the supply of essential medical equipment and vaccines. The COVID-19 crisis has further emphasized the need for international cooperation in combating such challenges.
Space exploration emerged as another area of interest. India’s successful space missions and the UAE’s ambitious space program have created opportunities for collaboration in space research, satellite technology, and exploration. The leaders expressed their willingness to explore avenues for joint projects in this domain.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit underscored the strong bond between India and the UAE, built on shared values, cultural ties, and people-to-people exchanges. The Indian diaspora in the UAE, comprising millions of people, plays a significant role in strengthening these ties. Their contributions to the UAE’s growth and development have been widely acknowledged and appreciated.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the UAE marked a significant milestone in strengthening the bilateral relationship between India and the UAE. The discussions between Prime Minister Modi and President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan covered various areas of cooperation, reflecting the shared commitment to enhancing economic, strategic, and people-to-people ties. The visit showcased the growing importance of the UAE as a valuable partner for India and highlighted the potential for further collaboration and mutual growth.
