PM Modi to Strengthen Ties During UAE Visit This Friday

This Friday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will officially visit the United Arab Emirates, aiming to bolster the enduring partnership between the two nations. His visit includes crucial discussions with UAE leaders prior to embarking on a six-day journey across Europe.

As reported by India’s Ministry of External Affairs, Mr Modi will thereafter proceed to the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy during his European tour.

India and the UAE have cultivated a robust diplomatic, economic, and cultural bond over the years. Notably, the UAE is home to nearly four million Indians, making them the largest expatriate group in the region. The bilateral relationship has seen growth in various sectors including trade, investment, energy, technology, and infrastructure.

In 2022, the two countries signed the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), marking the UAE’s first such trade deal. This agreement has significantly boosted bilateral trade, exceeding $85 billion. Currently, India ranks as the UAE’s largest trading partner, while the UAE stands as the third largest for India.

Mr Modi’s last visit to the UAE took place in 2024 when he addressed approximately 40,000 members of the Indian community at Zayed Sports City Stadium. During that trip, he also participated in the World Governments Summit held in Dubai and inaugurated the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi.

Earlier this year, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan made a visit to New Delhi for discussions with Mr Modi, focusing on enhancing cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence, technology, economy, and food security.

Both leaders also oversaw the exchange of agreements and letters of intent aimed at bolstering bilateral cooperation and facilitating future development projects.

Following their talks, Sheikh Mohamed affirmed that the UAE and India are committed to working together on sustainable development, economic expansion, and fortified strategic relations.