Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 9, 2024, at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. This visit highlights the strong and lasting bond between the UAE and India.
Sheikh Khaled’s Visit to New Delhi
On Sunday, September 8, Sheikh Khaled arrived in New Delhi for a two-day official visit. He was welcomed by Piyush Goyal, India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry. This visit is a key moment for both countries as they look to advance their economic relationship under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), signed in 2022. The CEPA aims to boost bilateral trade to $100 billion.
During his visit, Sheikh Khaled is also set to meet with Prime Minister Modi and President Droupadi Murmu. The trip will include events celebrating the rich cultural connections between the UAE and India. Sheikh Khaled’s delegation includes several high-ranking officials such as Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber and Reem Al Hashimy.
A Significant Meeting
The meeting between Sheikh Khaled and Prime Minister Modi is an important step in strengthening their countries’ relationship. The Crown Prince’s visit was marked by a ceremonial reception, demonstrating the respect both nations have for their ties. The visit included a red-carpet welcome and a traditional cultural performance, showcasing India’s heritage.
Building on Strong Foundations
The UAE and India have enjoyed a strong partnership for decades. The bond began with Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s visit to India in 1975, which established a cultural agreement that laid the foundation for future cooperation. Further visits, including Sheikh Zayed’s in 1992, have continued to build on this relationship.
The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement signed during President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit to India in 2017 marked a new phase in their cooperation. This agreement, along with the CEPA, has strengthened ties in areas such as technology, renewable energy, and defense.
Achievements and Future Goals
The CEPA, signed in early 2022, aims to increase non-oil trade between the two countries to $100 billion by 2030. Recent figures show positive progress, with non-oil trade rising from $51.4 billion in 2022 to $53.4 billion in 2023. UAE’s investments in India have reached about $16.2 billion, while Indian investments in the UAE are around $7.76 billion. These investments cover various sectors, highlighting the deep economic connections between the two nations.
Looking ahead, both countries are committed to working together on global issues like climate change and sustainable development. Their ongoing discussions and frequent high-level meetings suggest a bright future for UAE-India relations.
Sheikh Khaled’s visit to India marks an important chapter in UAE-India relations. It reflects the strong historical ties and the commitment to furthering their strategic partnership. As both nations continue to build on their collaboration, the future looks promising with many opportunities for growth and advancement.
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