Foreign Minister of UAE meets PM, discusses tech

United Arab Emirates Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday. The two leaders discussed strengthening ties in technology, energy, people-to-people relations and the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEEC).

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Al Nahyan is in India to participate in the bilateral strategic dialogue and the 15th India-UAE Joint Commission Meeting. He arrived late last night, with the Joint Commission scheduled to convene tomorrow.

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said both leaders emphasised enhancing the comprehensive strategic partnership, particularly in the areas of technology, energy and people-to-people connections. PM Modi underscored the significance of implementing the IMEEC, describing it as a historic initiative to boost regional connectivity and prosperity.

Al Nahyan shared his views on the prevailing situation in West Asia. The Prime Minister reiterated India’s commitment to promoting long-term peace, stability and security in the region, according to the PMO.

PM Modi also expressed gratitude to the UAE leadership for ensuring the welfare of the large Indian community in the UAE and recalled the visit of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to India in September.

Earlier, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X, “His visit will further strengthen the multifaceted comprehensive strategic partnership.”

Tomorrow’s Joint Commission meeting is expected to review all aspects of the India-UAE bilateral relationship, including strategic and economic dimensions.

The UAE was India’s third-largest trading partner and second-largest export destination in FY24, with exports valued at $35.62 billion and imports at $48 billion. Between April 2000 and March 2024, total FDI inflows from the UAE into India stood at $18.5 billion, making it the seventh-largest overseas investor in India.

India and the UAE implemented a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement in May 2022 to enhance bilateral trade and investment. Last year, both countries signed an MoU to establish a local currency settlement system between the Reserve Bank of India and the Central Bank of the UAE.