New delhi: At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan conducted an official visit to India, marking his fifth visit to the country in the past decade and third as the President of the UAE. The visit underscored the ongoing commitment to strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and the UAE.
According to Emirates News Agency, the leaders reviewed the full scope of bilateral cooperation, acknowledging the significant strengthening of their strategic partnership. They highlighted the importance of recent visits by UAE dignitaries to India, noting these visits as a testament to the enduring and evolving relationship between the two nations.
The leaders endorsed recent high-level meetings, including the High-Level Task Force on Investments and the India-UAE Joint Commission Meeting, which have contributed to a robust growth trajectory in trade and economic cooperation. The bilateral trade has reached a remarkable US$100 billion in FY 2024-25, and efforts are underway to double this figure by 2032.
Both countries are working on initiatives to connect their Micro, Small and Medium Sector Enterprises, with key initiatives like 'Bharat Mart' and 'Virtual Trade Corridor' aimed at promoting MSME products across several regions. This collaboration aims to enhance investment flows and infrastructure development, with plans for UAE involvement in strategic projects in Gujarat.
Food security remains a crucial area of cooperation, with both countries emphasizing public-private partnerships and innovation in sustainable agriculture. The space sector is another focus, with plans for joint initiatives in space sciences and technologies, aiming to create a robust space ecosystem and expand commercial services.
The leaders are also advancing collaboration in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, supporting initiatives like the establishment of a supercomputing cluster in India. Energy cooperation continues to be a pillar of the partnership, with agreements in place for LNG supply and potential collaborations in nuclear technology.
Financial sector cooperation is expected to deepen with efforts to interlink national payment platforms. Cultural ties are set to strengthen with the establishment of a 'House of India' in Abu Dhabi and educational collaborations, including student exchanges and linkages between higher education institutions.
Defence and security cooperation remains a cornerstone of the partnership, reinforced by recent military exchanges and exercises. The leaders reiterated their stance against terrorism and agreed to enhance cooperation within frameworks like the Financial Action Task Force.
The visit also saw discussions on regional and global issues, with both sides expressing support for each other's international initiatives, including India's upcoming BRICS Chairmanship and the 2026 UN Water Conference co-hosted by the UAE.
The leaders concluded the visit with a commitment to ongoing collaboration in polar science and climate action, recognizing the importance of joint scientific efforts. President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan expressed gratitude for the hospitality extended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the visit.