India-UAE’s common goal to preserve, promote stability, security of our regions, says Jaishankar

Jaishankar said, “UAE is among the top sources of investments for India. We also recognize the growing Indian investments into the UAE leveraging its strategic location as a trade hub for the Middle East, Europe and Africa. Our energy cooperation has further consolidated with several long-term oil and gas contracts signed recently… India and UAE have common interest in preserving and promoting the stability, security and prosperity of our regions. Enhancing our defence and security cooperation will contribute to this common goal.”

“The two sides held discussions to expand our strategic partnership in several areas, including defence, emerging technologies, nuclear energy, polar research, critical minerals and renewable energy, among others,” an official statement from the MEA said.

“The recent visit of the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Khaled bin Mohamed Al Nahyan was another significant milestone in our friendship and underscores our generational continuity,” Jaishankar said.

Both ministers acknowledged the “tremendous growth in bilateral relations since the elevation of bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2017”. They “appreciated the progress achieved in the implementation of the India-UAE Joint Vision Statement of 2022 and underscored the need for continued focus on its implementation”.

The ministers welcomed the signing and entry into force of the India-UAE Bilateral Investment Treaty. They reaffirmed the strong trade relationship between the UAE and India, further enhanced by the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

They commended the strong cooperation between the two central banks, particularly in the fintech sector, and the development of public digital infrastructure, including Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDC), instant payments, and card schemes.

Both sides also discussed the “India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC), a major initiative aimed at improving maritime connectivity and trade between India, the UAE, and Europe”.