Sarbananda Sonowal Meets UAE Ambassador to Boost Maritime Ties

India and UAE Discuss Expanding Maritime Cooperation

UAE Ambassador to India Dr. Abdulnasser Alshali and Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal recently spoke about possible new avenues of maritime cooperation between their countries. The objective of the meeting was to deepen the strategic alliance between India and the UAE by promoting bilateral maritime ties and enhancing cooperation in port development, shipping and logistics.

Sonowal outlined India’s comprehensive plan for maritime development, which includes projects funded by the Sagarmala program aimed at improving coastal shipping, modernizing the country’s ports and reducing logistics costs. He asserted that India is keen to strengthen its relationship with the UAE, an important trading partner, to promote mutual growth in the maritime industry. Both sides talked about potential investments in India’s coastal shipping and port infrastructure, which could greatly increase trade connectivity between India and the Middle East.

The UAE has expressed great interest in working with India on logistics, shipping and port infrastructure projects, including the Jebel Ali port. The meeting also discussed possible partnerships in green shipping projects and technologically advanced approaches to increase port operational efficiency. Both countries are committed to exploring opportunities for sustainability and innovation in the maritime industry.

India has long been trading with one of its leading trading partners, the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The maritime sector is considered an essential part of cooperation as it plays an important role in facilitating trade between the two countries. The talks between Sonowal and Alshali are further evidence of the two countries’ commitment to cooperation in matters related to economic expansion, trade facilitation and maritime security.

In line with India’s ambition to become a significant contributor to international maritime trade, the meeting represents another step forward in the development of the maritime alliance between the UAE and India.