UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed and India's S. Jaishankar Forge Stronger Economic and Cultural Ties in Mumbai

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, held high-level discussions with India's Minister of External Affairs, Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, in Mumbai on Monday. The meeting, part of a working visit to India, focused on enhancing the long-standing relationship between the two nations, with particular emphasis on deepening collaboration in the economy, trade, investment, culture, and energy sectors.

Sheikh Abdullah underscored the importance of the UAE's relationship with India and outlined strategies to build upon the growth established by the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (Cepa), which has been operational since 2022. This agreement, the first of its kind for the UAE, has propelled bilateral trade to exceed $85 billion, positioning India as the UAE's largest trading partner and the UAE as India's third-largest.

The enduring alliance between India and the UAE dates back to the formation of the Emirates, with the UAE currently hosting approximately four million Indian citizens, representing the largest expatriate community in the nation. Sheikh Abdullah highlighted that the UAE-India partnership is continuously gaining momentum, reinforcing both countries as significant contributors to global economic growth.

During their talks, the ministers also addressed regional and international developments, discussing strategies to safeguard peace and security, according to state news agency Wam. Sheikh Abdullah was welcomed upon his arrival by Mangal Prabhat Lodha, India's Minister of Skills, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, along with other senior officials.

The visit by Sheikh Abdullah serves as a testament to the robust and flourishing relations between the two countries in recent years. This follows Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official visit to the Emirates in May, where he met with President Sheikh Mohamed. Earlier in January, President Sheikh Mohamed visited New Delhi, where he and Mr. Modi committed to strengthening cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence, the economy, and food security. In 2024, Mr. Modi also undertook a two-day visit to the UAE, addressing a large gathering at Zayed Sports City Stadium and speaking at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, before inaugurating the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi.