Prime Minister Narendra Modi, UAE President reiterate commitment to deepen ties

New Delhi, June 28

Just three weeks after West Asian countries protested against a remark by now suspended BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma, India and the UAE on Tuesday said they would continue to forge a closer partnership in trade, investment, energy, food security, health, defence, skills, education and culture.

This comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a brief stopover at Abu Dhabi on his return from Germany today. The Prime Minister called on UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This was the first in-person meeting between the two leaders since August 2019 when PM Modi visited Abu Dhabi.

A statement by the Ministry of External Affairs said both leaders reviewed various aspects of the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. During their virtual summit in February this year, both countries signed the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which has been in force since May 1. It is expected to boost trade and investment between the two nations.

The trade between the two nations in 2021-22 was about $72 billion. The UAE is India’s third largest trade partner and second largest export destination. The foreign direct investment from the UAE in India has increased over the past few years and currently stands at over $12 billion. The main purpose of the visit was for PM Modi to convey condolences on the passing away of former President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan last month.