Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan met in New delhi on Thursday, focusing on bolstering the strategic partnership between the two nations.
During the meeting,PM Modi championed the india-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEEC) as a landmark project with the potential to unlock regional growth and prosperity. He also extended warm greetings to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The PM expressed satisfaction with the ongoing high-level engagements, highlighting the recent visit of Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in September 2024, as a testament to the enduring ties between the two countries.
discussions centered on deepening collaboration across key sectors, including technology, energy, and people-to-people connections. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a robust Complete Strategic Partnership.
The UAE Foreign Minister briefed PM Modi on the geopolitical landscape in West Asia, while the Prime Minister reiterated India’s steadfast commitment to promoting long-term peace, stability, and security in the region.
PM Modi expressed gratitude to the UAE leadership for ensuring the well-being of the significant Indian diaspora residing in the UAE.Taking to social media, PM Modi emphasized India and the UAE’s shared commitment to peace and stability in West Asia and beyond.The UAE Deputy PM’s visit to New Delhi coincided with the 4th Strategic Dialog and the 15th India-UAE Joint Commission Meeting.
What are teh key areas of collaboration between India and the UAE as discussed in recent high-level meetings?
Interview with Dr. Ayesha Khan,middle east Affairs Expert
Editor: Welcome,Dr. Khan, and thank you for joining us today. We recently saw Prime Minister Narendra Modi meet with UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan in New delhi. What are the implications of this meeting for India-UAE relations?
Dr. Khan: Thank you for having me. This meeting is quite notable as it emphasizes the deepening strategic partnership between India and the UAE. The focus on the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEEC) is especially noteworthy.This corridor has the potential to enhance trade relations and unlock regional growth, being a landmark project that intersects major economies.
Editor: You mentioned the IMEEC. Can you explain a bit more about it’s potential impact on regional prosperity?
Dr.Khan: Absolutely. The IMEEC is designed to streamline trade routes and foster connectivity, which can facilitate stronger economic ties not just between india and the UAE, but also among countries in the Middle East and Europe. This initiative aligns with the broader goals of enhancing trade and investment flows, which are vital for regional prosperity.
Editor: During their discussions, PM Modi expressed satisfaction with recent high-level engagements, highlighting the visit of the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. How do these engagements serve to strengthen ties between the nations?
Dr.Khan: Continuous high-level meetings signify a commitment to ongoing diplomatic dialogue and collaboration. The September 2024 visit of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan buoyed this relationship, reinforcing mutual trust and cooperation. such engagements enable leaders to address shared challenges and explore new avenues for partnership,especially in sectors like technology and energy.
Editor: Speaking of sectors, which areas do you see as key for collaboration based on the recent discussions?
Dr. Khan: The discussions highlighted technology, energy, and people-to-people connections as priority sectors. India has a robust tech ecosystem, and collaborating with the UAE can lead to innovations that benefit both countries. Additionally, with the UAE’s significant investment capabilities and India’s diverse talent pool, energy cooperation can pave the way for sustainable growth and growth.
Editor: PM Modi also expressed gratitude for the UAE’s support towards the Indian diaspora. Why is this relationship with the Indian community crucial?
Dr. Khan: The Indian diaspora in the UAE is one of the largest expatriate communities, contributing considerably to both economies. The UAE’s commitment to the welfare of this community strengthens bilateral ties and enhances soft power dynamics. Recognizing the contributions of the diaspora is crucial for fostering goodwill and deeper cultural connections between India and the UAE.
Editor: Lastly, how does this meeting and subsequent partnership align with India’s broader foreign policy objectives in West Asia?
Dr.Khan: India’s approach emphasizes long-term peace, stability, and security in the region, especially given the complex geopolitical landscape. The reaffirmation of collaboration with the UAE aligns well with these goals. Together, both nations can work towards addressing regional issues and promoting stability, which is essential not just for their mutual interests but also for broader regional cooperation.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Khan, for your insights on this pivotal meeting and its broader implications for India-UAE relations.
Dr. Khan: My pleasure! Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this importent topic.