Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held high-level talks at Hyderabad House, marking a significant step in the strengthening of India-UAE relations. This visit, which commenced with the Crown Prince’s arrival on September 8, 2024, underscores the deepening strategic partnership between the two nations.
The meeting was characterized by a warm reception and an in-depth discussion on enhancing bilateral ties. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal took to ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) to express the sentiment of the occasion, stating, “A warm welcome for a close friend. PM @narendramodi received HH Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi at Hyderabad House.” The talks covered a wide array of subjects, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the India-UAE strategic partnership.
This visit is a continuation of the evolving relationship between India and the UAE, which has seen significant milestones in recent years. The partnership was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership following Prime Minister Modi’s pivotal visit to the UAE in August 2015. Since then, the countries have expanded their cooperation through several key agreements. Notably, the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), signed in February 2022, has paved the way for enhanced trade and investment. Additionally, the Local Currency Settlement (LCS) System, introduced in July 2023, facilitates transactions between the Indian Rupee and the UAE Dirham, further bolstering economic ties.
Economic relations between India and the UAE are robust, with bilateral trade reaching approximately USD 85 billion in the 2022-23 fiscal year. The UAE is one of India’s top foreign direct investors, reflecting the strong economic linkages between the two nations. This economic partnership is further supported by the large and vibrant Indian community in the UAE, which, at approximately 3.5 million strong, constitutes the largest expatriate group in the region.
In addition to bilateral agreements, the UAE’s involvement in multilateral frameworks has been notable. The UAE was invited as a special guest during India’s G20 presidency, illustrating its growing global influence. Moreover, in February 2023, the India-UAE-France (UFI) trilateral partnership was formally launched, highlighting a commitment to broader regional cooperation.
The UAE’s increased role in international forums is further exemplified by its accession to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) as a dialogue partner in May 2023, and its inclusion in BRICS as a member on January 1, 2024. These developments underscore the UAE’s expanding global presence and its strategic alignment with India.
Defence cooperation has also seen notable progress. The first bilateral army exercise, ‘Desert Cyclone,’ conducted in January 2024 in Rajasthan, marks a new phase in military collaboration between the two countries. This exercise symbolizes a mutual commitment to enhancing defence ties and operational coordination.
As Prime Minister Modi and Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan continue their dialogue, the focus remains on broadening the scope of their partnership. The discussions are expected to delve into new areas of collaboration, further strengthening the strategic, economic, and cultural bonds between India and the UAE. The ongoing engagement between these two nations highlights their shared vision for a robust and multifaceted partnership, positioning them as key allies on the global stage.
