Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan convened for a pivotal meeting at Hyderabad House, underscoring the growing strategic partnership between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Crown Prince, who arrived in India on September 8, 2024, was warmly received, marking a significant moment in the bilateral relationship.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted the importance of the visit, noting on ‘X’ (formerly Twitter), “A warm welcome for a close friend. PM @narendramodi received HH Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi at Hyderabad House.” The discussions were comprehensive, covering the entire spectrum of India-UAE relations and exploring future cooperation opportunities.
The bilateral relationship between India and the UAE has evolved significantly in recent years. The partnership was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership following Prime Minister Modi’s influential visit to the UAE in August 2015. This relationship has been further solidified by the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in February 2022, designed to enhance trade and economic cooperation. Additionally, the introduction of the Local Currency Settlement (LCS) System in July 2023 aims to facilitate transactions between the Indian Rupee and the UAE Dirham, reflecting a deepening economic integration.
The economic ties between India and the UAE are substantial, with bilateral trade reaching approximately USD 85 billion in the fiscal year 2022-23. The UAE is one of the top foreign direct investors in India, highlighting the strong economic links between the two nations. The presence of a sizable Indian community in the UAE, approximately 3.5 million strong, further emphasizes the deep and enduring connection between the two countries.
The UAE’s role on the global stage has also been strengthened through its engagement with India. The UAE was invited as a special guest during India’s G20 presidency, reflecting its growing international influence. Moreover, the formal launch of the India-UAE-France (UFI) trilateral cooperation in February 2023 underscores a commitment to broader regional collaboration.
Significant milestones in multilateral cooperation include the UAE’s recent membership in BRICS, effective January 1, 2024, and its status as a dialogue partner in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) since May 2023. These developments demonstrate the UAE’s expanding role in global affairs and its alignment with India’s strategic interests.
Defence cooperation between the two countries has also advanced markedly. The inaugural ‘Desert Cyclone’ exercise, held in Rajasthan in January 2024, symbolizes a new phase in military collaboration, emphasizing mutual interests in enhancing defence capabilities and operational coordination.
As Prime Minister Modi and Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan continue their discussions, the focus is likely to remain on further strengthening this multifaceted partnership. The ongoing dialogue aims to identify and explore new areas of cooperation, reinforcing the strategic, economic, and cultural bonds between India and the UAE. This high-level engagement highlights the shared vision of both nations for a robust and enduring partnership on the global stage.
