External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will embark on an official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Sunday, where he will engage in extensive discussions with his counterpart, Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The agenda for these talks encompasses a wide range of bilateral matters, with a particular focus on the overall situation in Gaza.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has highlighted that Jaishankar’s visit will present a valuable opportunity to comprehensively assess the entire spectrum of the strategic partnership between India and the UAE, encompassing both regional and global developments.
In a concise statement, the MEA announced, “External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will pay an official visit to the UAE today.” The statement further elaborated, “During the visit, the external affairs minister will have meetings with his UAE counterpart on wide-ranging issues of the partnership.”
The ties between India and the UAE have witnessed a significant upswing in recent years. Following the landmark visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the UAE in August 2015, bilateral relations between the two nations were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This strengthened bond was further solidified by the signing of a comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA) in February 2022, aiming to bolster economic engagement between the two countries.
The trade pact offers numerous benefits, including the elimination and reduction of tariffs, fostering an open trade environment, and enhancing market access for service providers across various sectors. The UAE has also established itself as one of the top four investors in India, contributing significantly to foreign direct investments during the fiscal year 2022-23.
The UAE is home to a vibrant and robust Indian community, numbering approximately 3.5 million individuals, making it the largest expatriate group in the country. This strong community serves as a testament to the deep cultural and economic connections between India and the UAE.
