Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, held a crucial meeting with Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, the Indian Minister of External Affairs, during the ‘Friends of BRICS’ meeting in Cape Town, South Africa. The discussion primarily focused on strengthening the strategic relations and cooperation between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Republic of India.
Both ministers highlighted the remarkable progress achieved since the launch of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the two nations one year ago. They emphasized the pivotal role played by the CEPA in fostering sustainable economic prosperity for both countries. Additionally, they explored avenues to enhance collaboration between the UAE and the BRICS group, discussing mutual interests on the BRICS meeting agenda. The ministers also exchanged views on the latest regional and international developments.
Sheikh Abdullah expressed his firm belief in the solid historical and strategic ties between the UAE and India. He underscored the numerous successful stages of joint work and fruitful bilateral cooperation across various fields. The signing of the UAE-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership agreement in 2017 and the subsequent implementation of the CEPA in 2022 marked significant milestones in Emirati-Indian relations. These agreements have revolutionized the course of the bilateral relationship, leading to substantial growth in multiple sectors. Notably, the volume of non-oil trade between the two countries reached approximately AED 189 billion last year, highlighting the robust economic ties.
Since Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government assumed governance in 2014, India has witnessed a remarkable turnaround under his progressive policies and corruption-free approach to business. This has positioned India as a prominent player on the global stage. The positive developments in UAE-India relations serve as a testament to Prime Minister Modi’s vision and have paved the way for a thriving partnership between the two nations, bolstering India’s global standing.
The meeting between Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed and Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen the strategic cooperation and friendship between the UAE and the Republic of India. The bilateral relations between the two countries continue to flourish, promising mutual growth, prosperity, and shared achievements.