India-UAE Ties a Model Partnership: S Jaishankar
Emirates and India advance economic cooperation, bolster energy projects, and celebrate milestones in connectivity and innovation
India and UAE Strengthen Strategic Ties with Focus on Energy, Trade, and Connectivity
New Delhi:
During the 15th India-UAE Joint Commission Meeting (JCM), which took place in New Delhi on Friday, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and India reaffirmed their expanding bilateral ties. Implementing the ambitious India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) and strengthening energy cooperation, particularly long-term supply agreements and cooperative projects in the upstream and downstream energy sectors, were the main topics of discussion.
The JCM, which was co-chaired by UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, examined developments in important sectors like commerce, energy, and connectivity.
A “Model” Partnership
Jaishankar called the India-UAE partnership a “model” of international cooperation in his televised remarks, pointing out that since the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) was signed in May 2022, their trade and economic links have expanded dramatically. The two nations have now reached US$85 billion, demonstrating the steady expansion fueled by CEPA’s rules.
“The India-UAE partnership is not only strong but also multifaceted, setting a benchmark for bilateral relations globally,” Jaishankar stated.
Energy Collaboration and Green Initiatives
The two foreign ministers praised their strong energy cooperation, which includes further collaborations in green hydrogen projects, renewable energy, and strategic reserves. Plans for increased collaboration in upstream and downstream energy projects as well as the long-term supply of vital resources were discussed.
As part of the expanding energy alliance, new areas of collaboration were also highlighted, including nuclear energy and essential minerals.
IMEEC and Connectivity Vision
The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC), a game-changing project aimed at enhancing economic and maritime connectivity between India, the United Arab Emirates, and Europe, was one of the JCM’s main highlights. The goal of this corridor, which was completed during last year’s G20 Summit in Delhi, is to integrate marine, rail, and road networks throughout Europe, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and India.
Referred to as a “game-changing initiative,” IMEEC seeks to promote greater regional integration and international trade.
Virtual Trade Corridor and MAITRI Interface
The meeting also celebrated the launch of the Virtual Trade Corridor (VTC) and the MAITRI interface (Primary Application for International Trade and Regulatory Interface), which aims to streamline trade processes between the two countries, significantly improving trade efficiency.
Broadening Strategic Engagement
In addition to trade and energy, the relationship is growing in fields including finance, public digital infrastructure, and defense. In order to modernize financial ties, initiatives including Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDC) and immediate payment systems were developed.
The two parties also discussed the success of academic partnerships, such as the opening of the IIT-Delhi Abu Dhabi campus by Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohamed. It was also addressed how the Indian Institute of Management in Ahmedabad and the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade in Dubai would be established overseas.
Regional and Global Cooperation
The foreign ministers acknowledged the importance of their partnership in addressing global challenges. They discussed regional developments, including the situation in Gaza and Syria, emphasizing their shared commitment to peace and stability in the region.
A Path Forward
Since Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic visit to the UAE in 2015, the two countries have forged a comprehensive strategic partnership that encompasses polar research, nuclear energy, new technologies and defence. The current focus of the two countries is on using this cooperation to address contemporary issues such as digital transformation and energy security.
Jaishankar highlighted that the deepening India-UAE partnership is a reflection of a shared vision for sustainable development and mutual prosperity.
The partnership sets the benchmark for bilateral cooperation, not only on immediate priorities such as energy and trade, but also fosters innovation and connectivity for a shared future.
