Jaishankar Strengthens India-UAE Ties with Strategic Talks and Cultural Engagements in Abu Dhabi

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has reviewed with his United Arab Emirates counterpart Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan the multi-faceted India-UAE comprehensive strategic partnership and discussed new areas with “untapped potential” to enhance collaboration, an official statement said on Monday. The meeting took place during Jaishankar’s visit to the UAE on Sunday, where he also engaged in discussions on regional and global issues with Al Nahyan.

Jaishankar’s visit included a significant stop at the iconic BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi. This temple, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 14, stands as a testament to the deep cultural and religious ties between India and the UAE. During his visit, Jaishankar interacted with the monks of BAPS, the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Sansthan, the organization responsible for building the temple on land generously donated by the UAE government. This temple has already welcomed one million visitors in less than four months, symbolizing the friendship and mutual respect between the two nations. Taking to X, Jaishankar described the temple as a “visible symbol of India-UAE friendship.”

In addition to his visit to the temple, Jaishankar participated in the 10th International Yoga Day celebrations organized by the Indian Embassy in UAE. The event, held at the prestigious Louvre Abu Dhabi museum premises, showcased the universal appeal of yoga and its ability to bring together participants from diverse backgrounds. The session, which lasted for almost 30 minutes, saw attendees from multiple countries, reflecting the global nature of the yoga community and the cultural bridge it forms between India and the world.

The two foreign ministers “reviewed the multi-faceted India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” as stated by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi on Monday. They expressed “happiness at the substantive progress in diverse areas of bilateral cooperation, including commercial and economic collaboration, fintech, education, culture, and people-to-people connect,” the statement said. This review highlights the robust and dynamic nature of the bilateral relationship, with both countries committed to expanding their collaboration across various sectors.

The ministry further stated that the two ministers “discussed new areas with untapped potential for further enhancing collaboration” and exchanged views on regional and global issues. These discussions underscore the forward-looking approach of both nations, aiming to explore new avenues for cooperation and address global challenges collectively.

Taking to X after meeting his UAE counterpart, Jaishankar said, “Very pleased to meet UAE FM @ABZayed today in Abu Dhabi. Productive and deep conversations on our ever-growing Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Appreciated the discussion and his insights on regional and global issues.” This statement reflects the positive and constructive nature of the dialogue between the two foreign ministers.

The ministry highlighted that Jaishankar’s visit to the UAE, within two weeks of his re-appointment, “signifies the importance India attaches to its relations with the country”. It added that the visit marks the “continuation of high-level contact between the two countries”. This high-level engagement is crucial in maintaining and furthering the momentum of bilateral relations.

“Last year, we have also witnessed important milestones in our bilateral relations like the implementation of a local currency trade settlement agreement, the launch of UAE’s domestic credit/debit card based on India’s RuPay card stack, the setting up of a campus of IIT Delhi in Abu Dhabi, fintech collaboration, and commencement of work on IMEEC, among others,” the ministry said. These milestones represent significant advancements in economic and educational cooperation, highlighting the depth and breadth of the India-UAE partnership.

Ahead of his day-long visit to Abu Dhabi, the MEA had stated that the visit would provide an opportunity to review the entire spectrum of the comprehensive strategic partnership between India and the UAE as well as regional and global developments. During the visit, the External Affairs Minister had a meeting with his UAE counterpart on wide-ranging issues of the partnership, the MEA said in a statement. These discussions are pivotal in ensuring that the bilateral relationship continues to evolve and adapt to changing global dynamics.

About a 3.5-million-strong and vibrant Indian community forms the largest expatriate group in the UAE. This community plays a crucial role in the socio-economic fabric of the UAE, contributing significantly to various sectors and enhancing people-to-people connections between the two nations.

Both countries signed a landmark comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA) in February 2022 to boost economic engagement. This agreement aims to facilitate trade, investment, and economic cooperation, further strengthening the economic ties between India and the UAE.

Jaishankar’s visit reflects the ongoing commitment to strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership between India and the UAE. His meetings and engagements, including those at the BAPS Hindu Mandir and the 10th International Day of Yoga celebrations, underscore the multifaceted nature of the bilateral relations, which encompass economic, cultural, and people-to-people ties. The discussions on regional and global issues further highlight the importance both countries place on their strategic dialogue, aiming to collaborate on broader geopolitical concerns and leverage untapped potential in various sectors. The high-level engagements and the progress in bilateral initiatives like the CEPA, local currency trade settlement, and the establishment of educational and fintech collaborations, mark significant milestones in the India-UAE partnership.

Jaishankar’s visit to the UAE highlights the robust and dynamic nature of the India-UAE relationship, underscoring the importance of continued high-level engagement and collaboration across diverse sectors. The visit serves as a testament to the strong and enduring ties between the two nations, built on mutual respect, shared values, and a common vision for the future.