India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently visited the United Arab Emirates (UAE), underscoring the significance of bilateral relations. His meeting with UAE counterpart Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan focused on enhancing cooperation in commerce, fintech, education, and other fields. This visit, soon after Jaishankar’s reappointment, highlights India’s commitment to deepening ties with the UAE.
Both ministers acknowledged the strides made in their comprehensive strategic partnership, expressing satisfaction with progress in areas like economic collaboration, fintech initiatives, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people connections. They also explored opportunities for further collaboration and exchanged views on regional and global issues.
Discussing regional dynamics, including the Israel-Hamas conflict, underscored the breadth of their discussions. This exchange reflects India and the UAE’s shared interest in regional stability and global affairs.
During his visit, Jaishankar visited the BAPS Swaminarayan temple in Abu Dhabi, emphasizing its role as a cultural landmark promoting friendship between India and the UAE. He also participated in an International Yoga Day event at the Louvre Museum, highlighting cultural diplomacy efforts.
The visit follows high-level engagements, including meetings between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. These interactions underscore ongoing efforts to strengthen ties, including initiatives like the local currency trade settlement agreement and educational collaborations, such as the establishment of an Indian Institute of Technology-Delhi campus in Abu Dhabi.
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The UAE hosts a substantial Indian expatriate community of 3.3 million, contributing significantly to bilateral relations. With the elevation of their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2015 and the signing of a comprehensive economic partnership agreement in 2022, India and the UAE aim to boost bilateral trade to $100 billion in the coming years.
Jaishankar’s visit reaffirms the momentum in India-UAE relations, marking continued high-level engagement and collaboration across multiple fronts, reinforcing their strategic partnership in the global arena.
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