EAM Jaishankar Highlights Expanding India-UAE Cooperation Amid Regional Challenges

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Tuesday that the India-UAE partnership was delivering on its potential, supported by stronger high-level engagement and broader cooperation across key sectors.

Addressing a meeting with UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Mumbai, Jaishankar noted that interactions between the two countries’ leaders had intensified significantly in 2026.

Jaishankar referred to several high-level visits, including UAE President Sheikh Mohammed’s trip to India in January, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled’s participation in the AI Impact Summit in February and the 18th BRICS Summit, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s eighth visit to the UAE in May 2026.

He said economic cooperation had continued to advance despite international economic pressures and regional difficulties.

Trade between the two countries has surpassed $100 billion since the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) was signed, while investments in both directions have continued to increase.

The minister also pointed to growing strategic collaboration in defence, energy and technology, alongside stronger cultural exchanges and people-to-people connections.

Gulf Developments Raise Concern

Jaishankar said developments in the Gulf remained a significant concern for India and reiterated New Delhi’s commitment to supporting diplomatic engagement and dialogue.

“We will continue to work together and support all efforts to promote dialogue and diplomacy,” he said.

He also underlined the need to maintain uninterrupted, safe movement of trade, energy, and fertiliser supplies amid regional uncertainty.

Jaishankar thanked the UAE leadership for looking after the welfare of the Indian community residing in the country.

He emphasised the importance of continued coordination between New Delhi and Abu Dhabi as both sides navigate regional challenges and deepen their economic, strategic and cultural engagement.

The Mumbai meeting highlighted the breadth of bilateral cooperation, from trade and investment to regional security and community welfare.

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